Metronomy at Becks Bar

I took in Metronomy as part of the Sydney Festival last week:METRONOMY
PIVOT
TOTALLY MICHAEL
Becks Bar, Hyde Park Barracks
15/01/09

The Popfrenzy Party burst into life with a short, fun set from Indiana’s Totally Michael. With bubblegum punk-pop guitar hooks played over a backing track and samples, the solo artist spent much of his time off the stage running around the floor “like a dumbass” [his words] singing and rapping in a style that wouldn’t have been out of place soundtracking an American teen movie.

With rain lashing down outside, Pivot’s (below) edgy post-rock instrumentation filled the marquee. As always, their sound was intense, daunting and inventive as guitar grooves fought their way through dense synths and the insistent drumming of the wonderful Laurence Pike. It was an all-out aural attack, yet, while the inclusion of a knob-twiddling third member has certainly added layers to their sound, it hasn’t necessarily enhanced their stage dynamic. I suppose they’ve been a trio for long enough now for it to no longer be an issue, but, back when their live show consisted of only the two brothers, it all seemed so much more primal and exciting.Not many bands arrive on stage wearing their own light show, but London-based Metronomy boasted lights on their wrists and guitars, and had glowing chests, like a trio of techno ETs. Opening with Holiday, their indie/dance crossover was charmingly ramshackle, like Klaxons before they became the polished act they are today. Indeed, in the middle of The End Of You Too, their computer said 'no', and they had to start the whole song over again. This minor hiccup barely affected the tempo though; as their show was irrepressibly upbeat with drum machine, keys, guitar and funky basslines complimented by sax, melodica and Bee Gees harmonies. In amongst the indie/electro insanity and the occasional cheesy choreographed dance moves, there were some really strong moments, like the chorus of Heartbreaker and the A Cappella opening of sweet love song, A Thing For Me. Another computer glitch couldn’t stop Radio Ladio bringing their show to a raucous end and, as the Brits made their way into the night, Totally Michael was back for another ridiculously energetic set, again performed exclusively from the floor in front of the stage. He ended by inviting the whole crowd back to his place. “I’ve got a tight-ass hotel room,” he declared. “Let’s party all night.”