Review: Van She/Lost Valentinos/Art vs Science @ the ANU Bar, Wednesday September 24
Impossibly tight jeans, artfully tousled hairstyles and plain, oversized t-shirts emblazoned with large phrases were in abundance at the ANU on Wednesday evening. The reason? The Modular party bus had arrived in town, bringing with it some of the hottest young indie-electro acts going round.
Energetic genre-defying trio and triple j Unearthed favourite Art vs Science treated the early crowd to a fun and interactive show. Utilising a collection of electro-rock/hip hop hybrid songs (Beastie Boys, anyone?) seemingly tailor made for hand claps and singalongs, the band set a cracking pace for the rest of the night.
Dreamy and subdued rock was next on the agenda, with Sydney outfit Lost Valentinos taking to the stage. A complete contrast to Art vs Science, the band provided a broody calm before the ensuing storm of excitement created by the Van She set.
At long last, they of 'Changes' and 'Cat & The Eye' fame arrived onstage to a rapturous reception. It was clear who the crowd had been waiting to see and the Van She boys did not disappoint. Rattling off track after track from debut LP V with an enthusiasm that was almost palpable, the boys were in top form. The sweet sounds created by their combination of dreamy synths and rocking riffs ensured no one left unsatisfied.
All in all, a perfect nigh... wait! What happened to the Van She DJ set we were promised?! I was informed by an insider that it had to be cancelled due to curfew restrictions. Bollocks! That's what you get for going to a mid-week gig in this wretch of a big country town. Don't worry Van She, you can do no wrong in my eyes. My beef is with the man... *shakes fist threateningly*
JOSH BROWN
Photo courtesy of fasterlouder.com.au.