Entertainment

Review: Future Islands At The Gov

Future Island got the crowd going at The Gov…

Whilst very entertaining eclectic rappers, Curse Ov Dialect might not have been the best choice as supports for Future Islands. There was no correlation between this highly eclectic hip-hop outfit and the headliners. In their defence, the onstage theatrics were thoroughly captivating, the rapping however, varied in terms of the elocution. The Beastie Boys influences were fairly evident, but the lack of comparative cohesion shows the act could probably kick it up a gear. Points for sheer confidence and costumes though, and the off stage theatrics which really brought the crowd into it.

You know a band has a strong following when there is a surge forward at a midsized venue like The Gov straight after the support act leaves the stage and half an hour from the main act. In this case, those jostling for a good spot were more than justified with a memorable, high energy set from Baltimore quartet, Future Islands.

The beauty of a Future Islands set is that the use of synth instead of guitars seems to allow for a perfect mix in any setting and smooth, crystal clear sound. Right from the outset the band were on their game and one of the world’s best frontmen Samuel T Herring was on fire. With a style of charisma that is based on his earnest and heartfelt approach and amazing, somewhat unorthodox stage movement, Herring is an absolute delight to watch live. With dance moves that almost defy description, varying from shimmying, grinding and gliding across the floor, punters couldn’t take their eyes of him. The man just owned the stage, as he did in their much hyped Letterman performance last year. The reaction from the crowd could only be described as euphoric.

Predictably “Seasons” was the highlight of the set, with the crowd going up an even further notch from their already near delirious levels. Having said this, Future Islands, having been around for a lot longer than people realise had a smattering of catchy, dreamy and hypnotic tracks all the way through. This show was a step up from their Laneway set, which was also highly entertaining.

Photos by Josh Geelen.

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