Unfortunate scenes overshadowed an otherwise captivating evening at the Corner Hotel as World’s End Press fleetingly showcased their expansive sound.
Back in town for the timely launch of their self-titled debut album, the band were forced to abscond the set after merely seven songs, with technical troubles to blame for prematurely ending the energetic performance.
Renowned for their engaging stage presence and vibrant melodious templates, the band had commenced an absorbing set of patent quality, with bassist Sashi Dharann and frontman John Parkinson in dynamic vocal form.
Melbourne-based visual artist and musician Darren Sylvester opened the evening however, with hesitant pop falsetto reinforced by despondent drum-machine compositions.
Better known for narrative-driven forays into photography, Sylvester employed fascinating string methods to complement subversive lyrical themes, while articulate chops emphasised the confident flair of the talented local.
Endorsing indolent tracks from his debut LP Off By Heart, ‘Toni, How Did You Get So Cynical?’ and ‘Don’t Do That To Yourself’ were set highlights, while ‘Dream Or Something Like That’ was a poignant dance number that pleasantly rounded the set.
Sydney outfit Movement appeared shortly thereafter, with spacious soundscapes and brooding atmospheres reminiscent of SBTRKT and The xx.
Consisting of Jesse James Ward, Lewis Wade, and Sean Walker, the trio progressed through an impressive array of soothing tones and dulcet beats, while an unconventional and vocally commanding cover of Outkast’s ‘Ms. Jackson’ further engrossed the responsive crowd.
Having recently signed to Modular, the trio appeared well poised to further establish dreamscape dance blends of undeniable excellence, as affirmed by set finale and recent single ‘Us’.
Though as the bandroom rapidly swelled, it was World’s End Press that enthralled the gathering with an accomplished, albeit brief, display of electronic ingenuity.
Opening with the vibrant and captivating rhythms of ‘Your Time Will Come (Part 1)’, the band immediately showcased refined stage synergy and distinguished musical cohesion.
With Dharann and Parkinson relentless in motion, the band progressed to an inspired delivery of ‘That Was A Loving House’ and ‘Reformation Age’, while ‘To Send Our Love’ was an emphatic showpiece that confirmed the self-assured buoyancy of the hometown quartet.
With Tom Gould and Rhys Richards displaying imperative proficiency on drums and synthesiser/drone commander respectively, the four-piece were imposing before trouble ensued.
Apologising profusely for numerous technical delays during the otherwise brilliant ‘Drag Me Home’, the band soon returned for an intensely frustrated rendition of ‘Someone’s Daddy’ before equipment failure again halted proceedings.
To the understandable dismay of Dharann, the band were forced to momentarily depart the stage, only returning for an acoustic adaptation of fan favourite and surprise LP omission ‘Second Day Uptown’.
Though despite the interruption and subsequent disappointment among certain fans, the band had already established an all-encompassing live performance, and as such, had no reason to fear.
Providing an exuberant illustration of progressive dance pop that emphasised the enduring talents of the Melbourne natives, the band had already delivered an effortless and thoroughly entertaining set of distinguished class.
Setlist
Your Time Will Come (Part 1)
That Was A Loving House
Reformation Age
To Send Our Love
Drag Me Home
Someone’s Daddy
Second Day Uptown
