AAA Backstage Archive

Live Review: Yacht Club DJs, Step-Panther, Rodeo @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane 22.03.2013

Before tonight, I had never really found myself at a show with more laptops than instruments, and while I was excited to embark upon the new adventure, I was wary about the outcome.

After tonight, I can not only say that I was pleasantly surprised (to say the least) but that the solo act that is Rodeo has officially recruited another fan.

Between the bedazzled (DIY?) stage name on the back of the jacket and the killer moves up, down and around the stage, there is no mistaking Rodeo for an act twice her size. Rodeo’s performance was made up of backing tracks, drum pads, distortions, loops, and an infallible voice. She used every tool at her disposal to create varied, intricate and uncompromising songs; while said tools were often pre-recorded, the outcome felt so immediate and strictly live, and highly creative. Some times punk, other times flirty and feminine, Rodeo’s voice was without fault and left a rare impression. For those who did not arrive early enough, you truly missed out.

Next on the bill were Step Panther, not quite as glamorous but certainly just as loud. Theirs was a set that was untidy at best, with missed cues and faltering mic stands. In other words, they were in their element. Their easy strand of garage rock was danceable and wholly fun, with influences of beach, pop and punk strewn throughout their songs. While they were at odds with a slow filing crowd and atmosphere, they did their own show and were better for it.

When it was time for Yacht Club DJs to take the podium, the volume and energy skyrocketed. The lads started later than expected and so fans were eagerly awaiting them from the front of the pit, warmly welcoming the thrift outfitted duo when they prepped their stage. Theirs was a set that needed no introduction, and familiar sounds of past and present blasted through the speakers well into morning. It seems that no song was forbidden territory – old classics, flavours of the month, television jingles and movie soundtracks were spliced with sirens and voiceovers. From Destiny’s Child to The Muppets to Band of Skulls to Bobby Darin, they went there to everyone’s delight. As opposed to a band interacting with the crowd, you had your own party soundtracked by YCDJs with gig goers practically bouncing off one another with the DJs revelling in the party atmosphere. All throughout the night, the party, the noise, the atmosphere just kept going, going, going.

Alice Bopf - AAA Backstage