Passion Pit, The JoyFormidable, Rat Vs Possum @Prince Bandroom, Melbourne(04/08/10)

Sat 7th Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

With an acclaimed EP and a delightful debut album under their belt, Passion Pit made their way back down under for a second time this year with a spot on the 2010 Splendour In The Grass bill. From all accounts, their appearance at the festival was among the highlights of the jam-packed event, and those that filed into the Prince Bandroom this particular evening were set to receive a taste of what was on offer.

Rat Vs Possum were the first supports of the night, self-described as ‘experimental pop music’. Not long into their set, their insight proved accurate; an other-wordly ambient introduction laced with intricate percussion pieces and effects pitting the band well within their purview. The local quintet lined the entire front of the stage, two keyboards leading the charge in what became a break-neck wall of sound surging emphatically across the venue. The band profess a frenetic, tribal discipline, totally committed to their craft. Cynics will muse that their set was one long jam session, which would be a fair enough interpretation.

Unfortunately, Rat Vs Possum verge on the highly monotonous, with relentless instrumental exploits that could prove polarising, however expertly performed. Overall, they’re a talented outfit, but they need to know when to say when. They simply persist with their ideas and concepts far too long, ultimately doing themselves a disservice. As a result, their versatility is something that was unfortunately left unexplored by the end of the set. Very little stage presence was also the trade off for such complete fixation, and this was only exacerbated by an awkward ending to the set: a loop pedal employed to created a repeated sign off. A fine trick, to be sure, but one that seemed lost on the crowd and more by accident than anything else.

The Joy Formidable were next, effectively recapturing the form shown in their recent appearance in Melbourne at the Worker’s Club. It would prove a huge step up for the band, playing to a much larger audience and garnering the praise that was understood by the few that had attended their previous club show. It was again a strong showing from the trio, a spirited display of ferocious indie rock; Ritzy Bryan leading with her wide-eyed intensity, cutting an utterly engaging figure. This time the band were able to relish and rock out with enthusiasm over a much larger stage, and it really played into their hands well. So rare is it to see such a wild, untamed aesthetic pulled off so excellently, as songs such as the fan-favorite Cradle and the unbelievably intense finale in Whirring worked to find the night in another gear.

The UK band were very similar to their predecessors in that they seem to work within a box – except this box has spikes jutting out, a beautifully abrasive beast drenched in sheer attitude and style that really works to get you excited about the band. A criminally underrated act here in Australia, let’s hope that The Joy Formidable’s string of appearances earns them success enough to see them return to our shores sooner rather than later.

The sold-out crowd was stirring as they awaited the headline act’s return to Melbourne. Predictably, as members began to emerge from the shadows, the entire venue became rapturous in their adoration for the band. It seems that Passion Pit have made great strides towards their rise to an unparalleled indie-popularity. Six sets of keyed instruments were strewn across the stage, as the band set about effortlessly charming the Prince Bandroom punters.

Make Light soon prompted an intense mosh set to crashing cymbals and smooth synthesised effects, a familiar staple of their sound. It was already obvious that Passion Pit could do no wrong, as all in attendance had instantly fallen under their spell. Their ensemble of instruments was put to work with stunning results, everything executed to precision as an entrancing light show bathed the venue in strobes and disco shades. Their entire electro-pop excellence is led by one formidable frontman in Michael Angelakos , whose falsetto is undeniably special. Angelakos made it all look so easy, showing true brilliance and the utmost charisma in full flight. Between songs, the frontman was seemingly a stoic shadow of his stage persona – jetlagged or drug-addled, perhaps – but maintained a healthy, appreciated dialogue with his fans throughout their performance.

By the end of the show, there were just so many highlights to name. Better Things saw proceedings escalate, driving the crowd – in rather apt fashion – crazy. The Reeling called upon the audience to join Passion Pit in voice, and they did so with sensational spirit. It’s really difficult not to be swept up in the tornado or pure joy that Passion Pit have perfected, working to bring out the best in everyone. It’s plain and simple: they’re a fun band.

Curiously, Angelakos made a point of conveying the band’s appreciation for the turn out in light of the admission price, acknowledging the steep $70 fee. Furthermore, he expressed his dismay towards the expense, citing a belief that it should not cost so much. Whilst a welcome gesture, it seemed that very few of those in attendance really cared all that much, and even those few were taken care of once Passion Pit performed Little Secrets, the indisputable highlight of the night. It was nothing short of amazing, the crowd chanting with exhilaration, ‘Higher and Higher’, thrusting their fingers to the ceiling as their feet left the floor. A sense of elation filled the room, as the feeling that this was truly a sideshow to cherish had become obvious.

Passion Pit toured Manners for some time, and it shows. They have perfected the art of bringing their music to a live setting and they have an impressive ability to captivate audiences in doing so. The set was, as expected, a snapshot of their Splendour appearance, drawing together all those elements that create the essential festival draw card. In the end, Passion Pit succeeded in provoking immense regret in those unlucky enough to have missed out on this year’s festival, so phenomenal was the first of their two shows at the Prince Bandroom. An absolute must-see.