Dope Lemon's Kimosabè Show has arrived, and with it, a passport to a world of musical enchantment.
On the first Thursday night of Melbourne's spring that truly felt like spring (14 September), Forum Melbourne was transported to a psychedelic realm curated by Dope Lemon, the brainchild of the enigmatic Angus Stone.As the hypnotic visuals of marching lemons on the screen faded into the ether, the lights dimmed and a palpable excitement swept through the crowd. The air was charged with anticipation as the bass reverberated through the crowd and the music began its seductive embrace.
The stage transformed into a cosmic wonderland, with visuals that danced among the stars, bathing the audience in a kaleidoscope of colours. It was as if we had been plunged into a dope acid lemonade trip, where reality and fantasy seamlessly intertwined.
The stage, shrouded in a mysterious fog, added an ethereal quality to the performance, as if we were witnessing a ritual in a hidden grove of some enchanted forest. The stage itself seemed alive, pulsating with an energy that mirrored the music.
Dope's latest track, 'Miami Baby', radiated a luminous essence that exuded an iridescent, almost otherworldly aura. This indie rock sonic odyssey skilfully wove intricate guitar melodies with accentuated basslines, creating a seamless blend of musical elements, while Angus effortlessly cast a spell with his vocal prowess.
The resulting composition was a true testament to musical genius, transporting the audience to a realm of sublime musical enlightenment.
The iconic cat heads adorned by the backup dancers, now a trademark of Dope Lemon, danced and swayed alongside the band. They added an element of whimsy to the dreamlike atmosphere, a reminder that we were in the presence of a musical sorcerer who could flawlessly meld the surreal with the sublime.
In a technicolour dreamscape, 'Kimosabè' emerged as a highlight of the night. The crowd sang along with a fervour that transcended mere lyrics. It was a collective call of the spirit of the music, a moment of unity and pure musical ecstasy.
Stone's harmonica solo cut through the air like a siren's call, beckoning us further into the heart of the performance. The crowd responded in kind, their voices harmonising with the music, creating an heavenly choir that resonated throughout The Forum.
As Dope Lemon concluded their set, each member slowly left the stage, but the crowd's hunger for more was insatiable. The chant for an encore filled the air, a collective cry for a continuation of the magic that had unfolded before our eyes.
From the darkness of the stage, Dope Lemon reemerged – a triumphant return. The encore was a final, euphoric crescendo, a musical spell that left us yearning for more.
As the last note hung in the air, The Forum was left in awe, bathed in the afterglow of a night that had been nothing short of a cinematic, magical journey.
In the end, Dope Lemon's Kimosabè tour at The Forum was more than a concert; it was an immersive experience, a portal to a world of musical enchantment.
Angus Stone, the musical wizard behind Dope Lemon, had cast a spell on us all, leaving us with memories of a night that would forever linger in our hearts and minds.
- written by Walton Wong
