The Toddler has become a staple of Kirin J Callinan’s live performance, an a capella litmus test conjuring absurd imagery. When it works, it’s a sight to behold. When it doesn’t, it’s also a sight to behold. Converse to the ditty’s somewhat frigid reception at a TV On The Radio support earlier in the year, Callinan had the audience in his grip tonight, pulling strings with call and response, stretching out, before inviting a stage invasion that tested the makeshift venue’s rivets for a reprise of new song Drugs (earlier in the night it proved a semitone off, thanks to a borrowed Les Paul and an incorrect tuner pedal setting).
The four songs making their Melbourne debut – the first new material since debut album Embracism – showcased untamed stylistic conviction, venturing into straight-faced EDM, lounge-y ballad with The Teacher, and all-in romp with Drugs, and a surprise performance of testosterone-laden The Edge, taken from Donny Benet’s Weekend At Donny’s.
He charms like a bastard, denying calls for Victoria M, but providing more than enough sustenance for an hour-long set (preceded by a single song support from whistler Molly Lewis), at home in the spotlight, still weird despite a stint in Mark Ronson’s touring arena spectacular, decked out in tucked up trackies before stripping down to hot pink Reg Grundies.
Kirin pushes in every direction in the live setting, tonight he vehemently hit the mark, and laid a path to what’s next.
BY LACHLAN KANONIUK
Photo by David Harris
Loved: The Edge.
Hated: Waiting for a studio version of The Teacher to make itself known.
Drank: White wine.
