polaroids of androids

Gotye + Mountains In The Sky @ Metro Theatre - 28/07/2007

On Friday night I was finally going to see Gotye perform live (it seems that I bought tickets about 6 months ago). The show was always going to have a tough time comparing to the only other 'semi-orchestra' show I had ever been to - the Eels With Strings Sydney show a year or so back. That was probably one of the best shows I have ever had the pleasure of viewing (with my EYES and EARS). Everett captured the attention of the audience perfectly. Showcasing his charismatic personality between songs and his tortured soul as he played.

(Ok, so was this a summary of how much I like the Eels or the Saturday night Gotye show? Fucks..)

Although their music is dramatically different - Gotye is a similar talent. His music suits the mini-orchestra set-up, with more saxaphones than violins and an upbeat tempo instead of a suicidal flow. All in all the show was highly enjoyable. Wally De Backer's natural talent, humble nature and fantastic array of songs was always going to make that the case. The backdrop animations made the show even more interesting, custom made for each individual track, they were highly successful in acting as the 'visual' accompaniment for the songs.

Ultimately the show was ruined by the patrons. In the case of the previously mentioned Eels show the crowd was all seated and not there to party but to enjoy the music. The crowd at the Metro on Saturday was mostly there to get drunk and dance a lot - or at least they were the people dominated the atmosphere. Sure, the music is more danceable than that of Eels and dancing is fun and getting drunk like George Best is wickedly awesome. BUT surely yelling out 'yeah mate get me a beer ya dickhead' during the slow - and what should have been engaging - moments of 'Out Here In The Cold' kind of does take something away from the general enjoyment level. Ok, I am getting old. I don't understand you kids anymore. Eh...

The night was opened by Mountains In The Sky. I had it in my head they were more 'atmospheric'. From the handful of songs I caught I thought their music sounded a little bit wild and a little awesome. Definitely need to check them out when I get a chance.

Gotye actually sold out 3 shows at the Metro over the weekend including a special all ages matinee show. Well deserved and congrats. His remix album Mixed Blood is in stores everywhere NOW!!