It’s been almost four years since Chicago rockers Ok Go took the internet and the music community by storm, creating a choreographed dance sensation that soon became, with 48 million views, one of the most popular music clips of all time. The album, Oh No, quickly became a critical and commercial success. Cut to 2010, on the eve of their third full-length studio release, and a reasonable question is at hand: just how does one follow up such acclaim?

In support were Brisbane’s Hungry Kids Of Hungary, an indie-pop outfit whose craft immediately delighted the Hi Fi crowd. Dean McGrath and Kane Mazlin combined brilliantly from the outset, each with an elastic vocal range and an enviable knack for piecing together the sweetest of harmonies. They adopt the standard formation for a rock band, but don’t let that dissuade you: the Hungry Kids are a bright, fun band, a cool blend of Orson and The Shins, maintaining a true pop sensibility throughout their performance. Set It Right, from their debut EP, saw the audience quickly embrace the group, clapping in time with cues from Mazlin. The country-tinged All You Need To Know was undeniable in its ascending, descending lyrical hook, its chorus a lasting impression. This was a sharp, impressively slick effort from the band, without a fault or lull to be had. Highly, and pleasantly entertaining, especially the superb Scattered Diamonds, as well as the surprise cover of MIA’s Paper Planes (a must-see). They’re recording an album at present, and if this appearance was anything to go by, Hungry Kids Of Hungary have big things ahead of them.

Ok Go hit the stage, and you couldn’t help but notice the accidentally Angus-Young-inspired attire of Damian Kulash, the frontman decked out in a suit and shorts. First up, a new song in White Knuckles, prompting the shuffling of feet across the venue in its instant vibrancy, not to mention a swift cannon blast of confetti showering the pit in hundreds of white flakes. As if the Hi Fi weren’t already enamored, the band immediately kicked it up another gear with a fan favorite: a fierce anthem in Get Over It – and sure enough, the forecast was again snow. An amazingly strong start.

The musicianship itself was flawless, a set with a mix of pop, rock and funk to delight all tastes. The band that stood before us had the confidence to try anything, and the coveted ability to succeed in doing so. A Million Ways, Oh Lately Its So Quiet and the famed Here It Goes Again followed, with the crowd well and truly red hot. Again, Ok Go would treat us all, a table of bells of all shapes and sizes taking center stage, with Kulash proudly proclaiming “Ok Go has come to save you!”. What To Do was then performed masterfully, each member utilizing the vast array of bells to recreate the entire composition. It was nothing like I’ve ever seen. Kulash then echoed his last appearance at the venue, making his way through the crowd, acoustic guitar in hand, for a special rendition of Last Leaf. I, nor anybody else, as each minute passed, could scarcely believe the sheer spectacle of this one gig.

Single This Too Shall Pass called upon the voices of those in attendance, all of whom were happy to oblige. Do What You Want rocked the venue to the set’s supposed end, but by that stage, Ok Go had taught us all to expect more. And that’s exactly what we got. The band returned following a short break, the backs of their suits LED sequins flashing and scrolling like a slot machine before reading, to a fantastic response, Ok Go. Their instruments were lined with fur lit in reds and greens, with laser pointers shining over the Hi Fi walls. WTF brought more OMG, the new song kicking off the encore, and a short time later, Invincible finally brought an explosive end to the magnificent show.

Covering everything that happened in this show was a formidable task. When all was said and done, there had been six shots of confetti into the crowd. They’re probably still cleaning it up. So much happened, and I find it hard to believe anyone could leave this gig unhappy, or unsatisfied. Aside from their actual playing – which was brilliant – it was a real show, entertaining and ultimately unpredictable at every turn. One of the most fun, surprising and memorable performances I’ve ever experienced. Combine that with Hungry Kids Of Hungary, and Ok Go have hosted one hell of an evening.

CHECK OUT THE CONFETTI FILLED PHOTOS FROM THE GIG