There was a sincere excitement surrounding the sold-out bandroom at the Northcote Social Club on Friday evening, as exceptional support from Elizabeth Rose’s set saw some feet already starting to move about the dance-floor.
When Rufus opened for Van She at the Hi-Fi Bar last month, the way they managed to engage with the fans at front-of-stage was astounding, particularly considering the attitude usually afforded to support bands in Melbourne.
Returning this time as headliners, Rufus took to the stage right on time, and didn’t waste a second assailing the crowd with a synth-squelching wall of feedback.
“Hello Melbourne!” announced frontman Tyrone Lindqvist greeting the crowd as if playing Glastonbury and receiving rapturous applause that justified his obvious elation.
As the band launched into their set it was obvious that the initial excitement from the gathered masses was not easily sustained, with the trio working tirelessly to engage a crowd that incorporated a sometimes suspicious blend of characters, some of whom looked as if their next gig might be Nickleback at Rod Laver Arena.
Despite a mass of bro-fisting, beer spilling and backslapping amongst many of the fans; the synth-pop trio managed to encourage a crowd response that was continually positive with Lindqvist producing some accolade-inciting stage antics to affirm the band maintained the attention of the packed out band room.
The crowd’s response during the well known ‘We Left’ and ‘Paris Collides’ reached a fever pitch, with a few more eager fans even feeling comfortable enough to sing along, despite Lindqyist setting a very high bench mark for any would be karaoke hopeful with his soaring vocal epithets.
A fantastic cover of Gotye’s ‘Hearts A Mess’ did everything to grab the attention of every ear in the house, including a more than competent drum solo affirming Rufus’ solid rhythmic foundation that did everything to enhance their already immense sound.
Shuffling out after over an hour of non-stop sample-blaring, drum pounding synth-pop it was easy to see why these Sydneysiders are garnering attention. Rufus are well rehearsed and dynamic and maintain a spontaneous coherency with one another.
It’s safe to say Rufus seem to be poised to enjoy success already achieved by other Australian electro-pop outfits of the likes of Cut Copy and Van She, with their catchy, dynamic and provocative live sets.
Ultimitely, these guys are one to watch if you aren’t already. Be prepared to see and hear plenty more from these three electro maestros.
– Morgan Benson
