PNAU, Gold Fields @ EnmoreTheatre, Sydney (27/0711)

Mon 1st Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

With momentum gathering behind their fourth album, PNAU brought the live show to the Enmore Theatre to offer give us a dose of their new record Soft Universe and warm up for their much anticipated billing at Splendour in the Grass.

*Gold Field*s were energetic opening act. Despite the meager size of the audience, those who turned up early were treated to a superb supporting set which featured a bunch of currently unreleased material – which went down a treat, topped off by an evocative rendition of the better known single Treehouse. However, the late surge of arrivals made it very clear that most punters were here to see the headliners only.

As the lights were extinguished the elusive Nick Littlemore sauntered on stage, followed closely by Peter Meyers – guitar in hand. The energy of the gathered immediately heightened. Joining Littlemore and Mayers on stage was an extended ensemble, reflecting the maturing pop sensibilities of the band under the tutelage of Sir Elton John.

Opening with the anthemic Everybody, Littlemore wasted no time sweeping up the crowd with the electric energy that the audience had been waiting for, before diving into Solid Ground, the second track from Soft Universe. Highlighting the band’s movement across the music spectrum from club-electro to pop, Solid Ground is more reminiscent of Littlemore’s collaboration with Luke Steele in Empire of the Sun than the thumping bass characteristic of PNAU’s last self-titled LP.

However, none of the jumping masses seemed to be complaining – especially as the spastic opening notes of Wild Strawberries pierced the air. This was followed by the refreshing Baby, before PNAU cut back to their roots, sweeping the audience from the Enmore back to a late-1990s warehouse rave with Lover.

Returning to the new, Unite Us and The Truth followed as if to emphasise further how the duo have mutated their sound with their new LP. The epic verses certainly allowed Littlemore to showcase his emotional connection with the music – which he has reported was heavily influenced by his recent break-up.

The remainder of the gig was similarly excellent. All the hits including No More Violence and the uplifting Come Together were bashed out with gusto. And Gwenno Saunders provided a highlight for the evening laying down the vocals for a brilliant performance of Embrace. The presence of Saunders also added another dimension to the performance notably freed Littlemore to clang about the stage – entertaining the audience with an impressive range of dance moves.

PNAU’s new material is certainly different – but equally engaging. However, perhaps following this new line, the scale of the show was very much toned down compared their previous performances. There were none of the trademark life-sized strawberries tumbling around (and off) the stage, no giant inflatable balls and no crazed, shirtless Nick Littlemore swinging from the ceiling or jumping off lighting fixtures wearing a plastic bag filled with ice to shield a fractured ankle. Furthermore, those wanting another taste of PNAU classics like the irresistibly suave Sambanova were lift a little disappointed.

Overall, however, already announced on the lineup for Homebake and The Falls Festival over this summer, and with a full national tour sure to follow; it seems likely that PNAU will continue to soar from strength to strength with their new direction.