Richard In Your Mind have a reputation for strange and enthralling live shows that compliment their quirky, psychedelic tunes. While tonight no doubt did this, the evening was dedicated to showing off an array of other bands with similar sounds.
First up was Sydney three-piece Shady Lane. While the crowd seemed to consist of close friends and a couple of people who had walked unknowingly into the band room, they seemed undeterred with swelling sounds and plenty of reverb. The band dabbled into the experimental with what seemed to be some 64 bit inspired keys, which made for an interesting set.
Hailing from Albury-Woodonga, Dirt Farmer changed the tone with carefree exuberance. While the five piece provided a solid set one began to wonder whether they wore their influence a little too obviously on their sleeves.
By the time the third and final support act, Lowtide, entered the stage the venue was filling up. The Melbourne four-piece’s slightly melancholic dream pop was unfortunately plagued by technical difficulties with feedback interrupting their big sound. Despite that, one couldn’t help but appreciate the dynamic of laid back male/female vocals.
Appearing on the stage through billowing smoke, birdcalls and strange noises, Richard In Your Mind dived straight into their magical world of experimental pop music.
The key to the group’s success is their imagination and willingness to step into the absurd. Frontman Richard Cartwright urges the audience to let go of their instincts and invites them into an imaginary world that hints at danger but instead provides with blistering psychedelic tunes and smiles.
Halfway through the set Cartwright runs backstage claiming he had forgotten something. Band banter suggests, “Richard has been to Dimmeys again.”
As Cartwright re-entered the stage he was joined by what can only be explained as a demonic dog or possibly rabbit that had not so craftily been made from a leaf blower and a couple of red flood lights.
There never seems to be a reason behind the madness but it always seems to work and has clearly paid off due to the dreadlocks and dresses whipping through the air at the front of the crowd. The set calls on songs from the band’s full catalogue, with live staples such as “Candelabra” creating the biggest reaction from the crowd.
While the crowd did eventually involve themselves in the music, it took quite a while.
It was hard to tell whether this was due to the new layout of the freshly renovated Ding Dong Lounge or not; while the venue has vastly improved, chatter from the new lounge area tended to invade the band room with each band competing with the restless chatter.
All in all the night provided an interesting selection of Australian bands that dabble in the experimental.
-Stephanie Lee
