Top three acts to see at Listen Out
In the depths of (Australia’s admittedly less-than-bleak) midwinter, my thoughts naturally turn to that most joyous of summer rituals: the festival.
Top pick this year is undoubtedly Listen Out, Fuzzy‘s new offering while Parklife is ‘rested’ (enjoy the holiday, old friend!) in 2013. Devoted to IDM, the organisers have pulled an impressive line-up out of the bag and also promise fewer of the infuriating timetable clashes that often blighted its predecessor.
Taking place in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane late September/early October, apparently it’s a ‘party’ not a ‘festival’, although the net result still seems to be dancing in a field to music. Which will be marvellous, when we’re grooving along to these people.
Disclosure
With flawless debut album Settle garnering silly amounts of praise, the Disclosure boys can do no wrong. Hitting the sweet spot between critical acclaim and commercial success, they’re the perfect headliners for the first Listen Out. This is their first visit to Australia since January, so I imagine I’m not the only one who’s pretty excited for their live set. Whet your appetite with this spine-tingling performance of Confess to Me from the Jools Holland show.
AlunaGeorge
At the risk of sounding like a crazed Disclosure fangirl (because I’m not. Obviously), one of their best from Settle has to be White Noise, the result of a collaboration with these guys. AlunaGeorge, consisting of Aluna Francis on vocals and George Reid on production duties, will be known for a lot more by the end of the year as they release their first album. Their brilliant take on 90’s r’n’b will be one to watch at Listen Out.
TNGHT
TNGHT make up for what they lack in vowels in talent, combining the musical stylings of Hudson Mohawke and Lunice to form a megahybrid of dance brilliance. Higher Ground was one of my favourite tunes of last year. I defy you to listen and not start jumping up and down (maybe wait until you’re off the train, to avoid motion sickness).Very much looking forward to this one,
See you down the front – I’ll be the one screaming, wearing too much leopard print, and generally behaving in an undignified manner. Tickets are already on second release – snap yours up here.
Roll on summer.
If you can’t make it to Listen Out but you are keen so catch Disclosure live then why not head along to one of their sideshows? They will be bringing party vibes to Sydney at the Hi-Fi on October 1 (all ages), and in Melbs there will be an U18 gig (5.30-8.30pm) and one for the adults after on October 2 at the Prince Ballroom.
Words by Sonia Clarke.
