Melburnians love to boast about living in Australia’s live music capital, but one does feel a tinge of jealousy when Sydney’s Vivid festival rolls around each May – especially when it features names like Morrissey, Sufjan Stevens and TV On The Radio. Lucky for us, the latter were able to squeeze in two shows at the Forum during their trip Down Under.
Warming the stage for the Brooklyn natives was Kirin J Callinan – someone who, by the looks of things, most of the audience hadn’t been exposed to before. With the exception of a few loyal followers, most of the crowd looked either nonplussed, watching on in stunned silence, or mildly amused, chuckling at some of Callinan’s more peculiar antics. His rendition of The Toddler would have to be one of the most bizarre a capella performances ever seen, with Callinan asking the audience to “use their imagination” as he busted out some Peter Garrett-inspired dance moves over the top of complete silence.
After the shock of Callinan’s performance, it was time for people to inch back into their comfort zones as the main act took the stage. Regarded equally for their live performances as they are for their records, it was no surprise to see a full house in for TV On The Radio’s first Forum show. After kicking off with vintage track Young Liars, half the show was devoted to the band’s 2014 album Seeds. This didn’t seem to phase the crowd, who were more than enthusiastic for each song of the night – new and old.
The main issue with a setlist that revolves heavily around a new album is that old favourites will inevitably be sacrificed. With the band now five albums into their career, the likes of Blues From Down Here and Will Do were sadly left out. Given the band’s extensive and esteemed back catalogue, the show seemed desperately short. Just as the band started to pick up the tempo and the crowd really started to get involved, we were already at the encore. It was bittersweet that the peak of the night also happened to be the end. Final song Staring At The Sun is made for the stage, with its grungy bass and hauntingly powerful vocals ensuring TV On The Radio went out with a bang.
BY KELSEY BERRY
Photo by Ian Laidlaw
Loved: Tunde Adebimpe.
Hated: No Game of Thrones cover.
Drank: Mountain Goat.
