Art Vs Science, Strange Talk @The Forum, Melbourne(02/07/2011)

Thu 7th Jul, 2011 in Gig Reviews

On yet another wintery Saturday night in Melbourne’s CBD, it’s no surprise that the massive ‘ART VS SCIENCE AT THE FORUM’ sign catches the eye and attracts a crowd. With near freezing temperatures, those outside waiting in line huddle together to keep warm. ‘It’s fucking freezing out here, but it will get hot inside an Art vs Science show’ says the half dressed girl behind me smoking her skinning cigarettes. The suited guards open the door and whip out their fancy ticket scanners as the stampede starts to move.

Once inside, the mass of people head straight to the many available bars. If you have been to the Forum Theatre, you’ll know it’s a great art deco inspired venue with four bars and fancy bathrooms; a venue known for its ambience and host to many touring bands. The night starts off with a local DJ who hits the audience with some old school RnB, sending an intoxicated Vanilla Ice look-a-like to the dance floor. The venue is already packed but many are still to arrive. Myself and others secure a spot to drink our $8 Heinekens while we wait.

Around 8.30pm, four guys dressed in casual shirts and jackets make their way to the stage. It’s Strange Talk, who run through their set with a laid back attitude. It is clear the band are in control of their sound, and the crowd show their appreciation during songs such as Climbing Walls and Eskimo Boy. Yet those present are evidently awaiting the main course and the sense of anticipation grows as the band exits the stage and the DJ yet again delivers some beats from 1999.

Bar breaks and toilet stops ensue and most of the once filled seats are empty to a monster mosh pit; many racing to the front with more than half an hour still left until Art vs Science hits the stage.

Around 9.50pm, the lights suddenly turn off and the stage turns into a robotic like ticking time bomb with red and blue light bolts simultaneously flashing sending the audience crazy. This set the tone for what would prove to be a great array of visual production throughout the whole show. Then AvS race on stage with the energy of a meerkat on meth, dressed smartly in neat suits and bow ties.

“Melbourne will you get high with Art vs Science…I said Melbourne will you get high with Art vs Science?!?” The beats start hard and fast and the audience are instantly transformed into a trance like state.

Playing through their set of old and new, songs like Magic Fountain, Flippers, A.I.M fire and Parlez vous francais all make an appearance; the latter of which features an impressive lengthy guitar solo from lead guitarist and vocalist Dan McNamee. With a great stage presence and energy, it’s pretty obvious as to why their fan base is so huge.

Just before wrapping up McNamee, mentions the band’s personal love of Melbourne, which unsurprisingly elicits a massive cheer. A great night is then rounded off with the terrific Hollywood; the trio making their way to the front of the stage to take a humble bow and high five fans before running off.