Synth-pop was alive and kicking on Thursday night at The Corner Hotel, as Clubfeet returned to their self-proclaimed quasi-hometown as a part of their national Cape Town Tour.
Starting things off was Melbourne outfit, DEJA. Undeterred by the still relatively empty room, their intriguing electro-pop sound demanded the punters’ attention. Complementing their crisp and infectious beats were the male – female harmonies of singers Jack Arentz and Claire Rayner, in tracks such as “Holiday”. Rayner’s powerful yet ethereal vocals and her fluid moves on stage were a treat to watch.
Sydney five-piece Panama, who are supporting the headliners throughout this national tour, took to the stage next. Both bands must have had enough musical chemistry that they also decided to swap remixes of each other’s tracks. Released earlier today were Panama’s remix of the single “Cape Town” and Clubfeet’s take on “We Have Love”.
The quintet delivered a delightfully fun performance with their upbeat 1980s inspired pop tunes. Frontman Jarrah McCleary had a dynamic stage presence, taking on the synth and his vocal duties with vigor, and was supported by his equally vibrant bandmates. The earworm qualities of songs like “Magic” and “It’s Not Over” were made more effervescent in a live setting, it was almost impossible not to dance along. As their energetic set came to a close, the increasing crowd was well warmed up for the headliners.
2013 have been a pretty eventful year for Clubfeet with the release of their well-received second record Heirs And Graces and a sold-out tour in February. The current national tour is the biggest one to date for the Melbourne via Cape Town fivesome.
“Get Loose” started the set smoothly, immediately followed by Yves Roberts’ groovy basslines kicking into the intro of “My Shadow”. On record this track showcased lead vocalist Sebastian Cohen’s falsetto, however it did not sound as strong and polished live this evening. This was quickly disguised in the chorus as the band beautifully worked in their lustrous vocal harmonies.
The tour’s namesake “Cape Town” had all the ingredients of a great dance track and had the desired effect as a dance party ensued on the floor.
Throughout their set Clubfeet maintained a relaxed demeanor, moving effortlessly between their instruments while still inciting excitement from the audience.
A pleasant surprise in the set was the “may or may not be a cover”, as Cohen joked, of Röyksopp’s “Remind Me”. The band’s take on the song gave it a new pop dimension with their signature sounds while keeping the electronic elements that made the original version so great.
Joined on stage by Chela, the radio friendly single “Heartbeat” was a high point of the night. Chela moved comfortably with the rest of the band during the energetic performance as the crowd sang and danced along.
Another favourite among the audience was what Cohen announced to be the last song for the night, “Everything You Wanted”. Taking the party up a notch, a few fans danced while being carried on their companion’s shoulders.
The band soon reappeared on stage for their encore as Cohen asked, “Do you mind if we play one more song?” They then launched into the excellent “Last Words” from their debut Gold on Gold. At this point hands were up in the air, bodies were moving to the beat and smiles were on faces. Clubfeet had ended their set on a high note.
In the already crowded synth-pop genre, tonight’s acts have proven there is always room for innovative and fresh sounds to rise to the top of the pack.
