In a haze of mossy green light and softly-built bass, Melbourne's Northcote Theatre became a portal to the latest show from Kiasmos.
The Icelandic melodic techno duo, and masters of slow-burning electronica, returned to Melbourne (20 July) with a performance that felt less like a concert and more like a sonic cleansing for the soul.With support from local visionaries Juno Mamba and Milo Eastwood, the night unfolded as a symphony of mood and movement that was otherworldly and utterly immersive.
As the crowd filtered into the historic theatre on a Sunday evening, an energy of anticipation breathed new life into the timeworn space; an excitement hanging in the air, laced with a collective longing for ethereal electronica.
On this cold winter night, the stage was first handed over to two of Naarm's own, ready to spark the crowd into their journey of transformative sound. Milo Eastwood lit the night's fuse with a sun-drenched blend of groove, funk and effortless flair. DJ and radio host of PBS FM's 'The Breakfast Spread', he eased the crowd into motion with a mixologist's touch, layering bright, percussive rhythms and dance-floor soul into a set that felt both timeless and totally alive.
More than a warm-up, Milo set the tone: joyful, kinetic and high-vibe. Next to keep up the heat; Juno Mamba (Vinci Javier) took to the stage with their euphoric club beats. He hit the crowd with some atmospheric grooves, building up the dance-floor energy, laying down the ground work for an evening of hypnotic rhythm and sublime sonic sound.
Paving the way for Kiasmos' cinematic techno journey, Milo and Juno had perfectly set the tone for the sound bath of music that was about to transport the patrons of the Northcote Theatre to an alternative dimension, atop a fluffy cloud.
As Kiasmos took to the stage, the full house inside the theatre clapped in thunderous applause with their hearts already full for the journey we were about to embark on. Bathed in ethereal lighting and swirling smoke, the stage became a study in contrast.
Ólafur Arnalds (composer, pianist, string arranger) glowing with his white shirt and bleached hair from the right stage, created a radiant and calm presence. While Janus Rasmussen (electro-pop producer) brought the darkness dressed in all black, giving the space an anchor of intensity.
The two stood with their L-shaped decks and keyboards, creating a balance between light and dark. Though they were here to put on a show for us, their connection to one another was beautiful to witness and gave the show an immediate ebb and flow.
Kiasmos - image © Maddie Sullivan
As the show took off with blissful sounds that were both ominous and calming, while the lights hit the historic ceiling, the crowd began to sway to the flow of sound washing over the room. The clacking beats and melodic piano sending the room further into a dream-like state of heavenly peace.
With each new wave and transition of sound, it felt like we were being taken through a journey of the elements: water, earth, air and fire. With each soft melodic drop, the crowd held its breath and fell further into awe of the incredible duo and their skill for euphoric techno.
With this elemental theme driving the journey's sound, it grounded the crowd with earthly beats even, akin to the feeling of being transported through a portal of new and old with the cosmic piano melody.
Each song blended into the next seamlessly, in a way that felt like we were listening to one continuous song. Even crowd favourite 'Prism', with blue-bar effects tapping away like waves in the ocean, blended effortlessly into the airy segment of the show.
As we neared the end of this journey through earth and time, Kiasmos lent into a fiery finish with 'Loop' with a sun setting behind the stage. Every person in the house was clapping along to the infectious rhythm as the guys ended with a sonic bang.
Kiasmos - image © Maddie Sullivan
With barely any phones in the sky, each human in the theatre was here for the moment and properly present in the sounds. This being their last show in Australia, after being away for nine years, it felt truly magical to bear witness to such a transformative emotionally cinematic experience.
Speaking with other attendees and fans of the Icelandic duo, my friends Steph and Barry included, we agreed this latest show from Kiasmos was a beautiful blend of cosmic coincidences created with incredible ambient orchestration and soft techno: a truly superb standout act in modern electronic music.
Hosting a show that was nothing less than orchestral techno, the Northcote Theatre set the theme of vintage grandeur meets modern sound magic. As one of Naarm's most atmospheric live music venues, the Northcote wraps every show in cinematic drama.
Whether you're soaking up ambient electronica or riding a techno wave, this High Street icon delivers immersive energy, velvet-draped charm and a dance floor that feels like it's holding history in every beat.
Read our recent interview with Kiasmos.
