In this day and age only a few things can guarantee fun: fairy floss, bubble blowing, twister and pizza. Seeing a Dappled Cities Fly show should be added to said list.

Watching Dappled Cities Fly is always an enjoyable occasion because quirky tunes and disposable props are often on the agenda. Like the circus, there’s always something for everybody. This night was no different.

Operator Please were first to take to the stage of the hollow and dark realm of the Gaelic. These young guns have had their name thrown around by industry types as ‘one to watch’, and judging by their performance, their temporary title is extremely suited. The fresh faced bunch were very enjoyable to watch and easy to like. It was pop and it was good.

The Redsunband really didn’t do much. They dampened the energy conjured up by Operator Please. The only excitement I received during their set was seeing one of them wander and walk around a bit; and this was only the case because it is such a rarity at their shows.

The crowd quickly silenced when Dappled Cities Fly entered and soon the tremolo sounds of States began. The bright lights and shine of two big red balloons caused a luminous stage with a mystical feel and Dappled Cities Fly looked more like moving dolls being manipulated by a puppeteer and being commanded to play instruments, smile, bounce about excitedly and almost fall over.

Granddance is correctly advised as being for numerous instruments and the sounds played simultaneously do make it quite grand sounding. Because of this a misconception may arise that live performances can no longer be equally as good as songs are on record, but fortunately Dappled had considered this and adjusted parts suitably to fit their live extravaganza perfectly; keeping it all just a little bit more unpredictable. Holy Chord was belted out early on, followed by a string of Granddance numbers, including the likes of Work It Out, The Eve The Girl, Granddance, Vision Bell and Fire Fire Fire, keeping a coterie of kids jumping around and others smiling wide-eyed.

Dappled’s set really did incorporate something for everybody. For those who enjoy their more progressive and melodic tunes, they were played. For those who enjoy their more danceable upbeat tunes, they were played too. And for those who enjoy their more complex and slightly obscure tunes, they were played also.Granddance was showcased brilliantly and almost in its entirety. The harmonies, the falsetto, the unique arrangements and the yelps all seemed just that little bit more special.Some old favourites appeared including the much beloved Peach and the much adored The Birds, prompting arm flaps and toe taps.

On this night, Dappled’s prop of choice was a confetti machine which dispersed confetti in loud bangs! One final grand bang! ended one banging grand show.

Photo taken from niina.amniisia.com