As I approach the venue, I park far, far away. I don't want a traffic jam at the end of my night today.
I hear the birds, I hear the beat. A guy asked me for a light. There's lots of people walking through Melbourne's Kings Domain tonight (4 December).My feet hit grass as I walk a hill. I hear Alice Ivy drifting through. It totally sets the scene. There is a queue. There's lots of folks. They're wearing denim and beige. There's people sitting just outside. They want to catch the wave. It's all-ages blankets, and prams, people are young and old, they're all just sitting waiting now for the safari to be told.
They both walk out, they're both in white the opening themes commence. There's LED, there's lights, there's lots of folks, but I'm snug here by the fence. It's dreamy, sweet and true to tone. I don't mind one bit that I'm here on my own.
Imagine © Danielle Annetts
Sexy boy. Sexy boy. Wow, it is pitch perfect. Is that him really singing? It's like I'm wearing headphones. Layers and layers of keyboards. Their hands just float around. It grows. It ebbs. It drifts and oh, it's such an amazing sound.
The stage goes dark, we know what's next. They're playing start to end. Kelly's here to watch the stars and so am I my friend. Time for 'Talisman'. All music and no voice. It's honestly like they're playing the CD. It's remarkable. It's choice.
Reeememberrrr. Again note perfect. 'You Make It Easy'. They try to recreate the female vocal through an intense synth – not a bad effort – but it's not her. Did she die? Where is she? A little rice shaky ball and a triangle soothes us in this song. Dreeeeeamy.
Imagine © Danielle Annetts
This next track instrumental reminds me of 'Dallas' or 'Dynasty' if the musicians were stoned. A whiff of a joint. . . He says "merci beaucoup" in crisp, clean French. He smiles. It is the only thing he says all night.
The last song, voyage of Penelope, I close my eyes and just trip with them. I nearly nod off on my feet. They finish Moon. Some people go. They come back with an instrumental. A bit of 'Virgin Suicides'; I think a bit of I'm your favourite girl. People leaving the safari is over.
Gets a bit trancey. I think they just sampled their own track. They finish up and the crowd calls for more, but most of the crowd is heading for the door. Ok, one last track. I don't know it. Kind of sounds a little bit Depeche Mode circa 1990.
Imagine © Danielle Annetts
Ok, that wasn't the last track. Here's one more. I still don't know it, but it still sounds good. All very instrumental. Or dare I say experimental; this one has a little bit of 'Blue Monday' vibes behind it. Now it is getting a bit growly and it's lost the airy, dreamy vibe. That's ok. I was here for the Moon.
Honestly with bands, there's always the risk they won't cut it live. Not the case here. Even with their synthy, dreamy sound FX it's all perfect. Light as air.
- written by Kristy Foulcher
More photos from the concert.
