Throttle
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Throttle

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“It’s me on my drum-kit but it’s in quadraphonic sound and there is music sync’d in with it as well. It was inspired by seeing how DJs use visuals inspired me along with seeing productions like Chunky Move, theatre and any performances that were a little bit different,” states Davies.

For those playing at home, quadraphonic sound is an audio set-up that is a little bit like the surround sound experience at the movies compared to a standard rock show, usually featuring two sets of speakers either side of stage. It’s suitable that Throttle mimics the audio system of a cinema because this show relies heavily on the visual display. “A proper set is being built and the visuals are projected onto a series of screens and objects,” explains Davies. “I have used a video choreographer and a lighting artist, we have dug up some great eclectic footage and mixed it in with the light show.

 “The subject matter of the show is based around ideas pertaining to the music that is very physical and strong – very percussive. Some of the footage is based around cars, motorbikes and rockets but the show is also about pushing the limits and some of the other footage we use is about dancing and Lindy Hoppers. And just seeing what they’re doing because in their own way, they’re pushing what they do and that is what Throttle is about.”

On this theme of the human engine and the extremes of physical form Davies enthuses that synchronisation of the footage with beats in a slow motion display allows the audience some insight and catharsis on the often unseen extremes of the human form.

“Sometimes things go unseen to the naked eye because it’s moving so quickly… [The Lindy Hop] is the style of dancing where the blokes are chucking the chicks right up in the air, then catching them and bringing them down to almost touch the ground with their faces. When you’re slowing that down and seeing how close the chick is coming to hitting her head. This sort of footage really inspires me so I wanted to put that in the show,” enthuses Davies.

However, despite his admiration for humans in the footage used for Throttle’s visuals it is the automotive machines that have a special place in this drummer adept’s heart – the events poster prominently features a muscle car.

“I love the cars. The Throttle image reflects an era of cars that fits the show sound wise,” says Davies. “I have a ’65 Holden HD; that is a really great car.”

Finally Davies names his team and comments on the where Throttle is taking place: “My team is Cobie Orger – Video/Visual Design, Justin Dwyer – Video/Visual Design, Jason Bovaird – Lighting Design and Blake Stickland – Sound Engineer. We will be turning Shadow Electric into the Throttle theatre show space.” 

BY DENVER MAXX