On Sunday night the Town of Fremantle was host to Sydney-based dance artist, Endorphin.  This was his only Perth performance to promote his fifth album, Shake It although he also performed gigs in both Dunsborough and Bunbury over the weekend. 

Endorphin last visited Perth only eight months ago.  Maybe this is why Fremantle and the South-West were his chosen destinations.  Maybe this is also why the Newport Hotel was only half full. 

At 7:30pm local band, Moriarty kicked-off proceedings.  Established in 2002, Moriarty are comprised of a female vocalist, bass player, percussionist, saxophonist and sampler/turntables.  For approximately one hour, Moriarty played to the small crowd their original tracks, which were predominantly a laid-back fusion blend of dance, groove, jazz and pop-rock. 

Unfortunately the sound levels were not that good.  The sound seemed to echo in the venue and it made the instruments seem a little muffled.  Moriarty performed their works enthusiastically although the reception from the crowd was only lukewarm.  It was a shame because lead vocalist Mooch is very charismatic and she has a great voice.  Towards the end of their set, Moriarty picked up the pace and connected better with the audience as a crowd gathered in front of the stage. 

After Moriarty’s set, the lights were dimmed, DJ T-Mac played some heavy breakbeat tracks and we were suddenly transported from a pub into a club environment in preparation for Endorphin.

At 9pm Endorphin made his entrance.  He was raised up behind silver blocks and his equipment and encased in a blue neon light projected from the multimedia screen behind him.  The beats and atmospheric sounds began and the stage was transformed by wonderful multimedia images comprised of words, faces and a kaleidoscope of colours.  The Endorphin musical and visual experience had begun!

Endorphin stated he was playing eight or nine tracks off his new album.  Initially the sound levels were disappointing again, but they seemed to be fixed up during the course of the first few tracks. His music was faster and more dancey than his previous material and they had a techno/old skool feel about them.  They were still very atmospheric and emotive though, showing us he hasn’t discarded his French impressionistic influences.

After every couple of tracks or so, Endorphin was joined on stage by two dancers who would appear in various guises from circus to alien-like creatures.  Their movements and costumes were amazing; add that to the multimedia images and music and it provided a real sensory experience.  At one point, audience members were up on stage doing some 80’s inspired dance moves to a raved-up version of “I think I’m turning Japanese… Yes I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so”. 

As the set progressed he played some more atmospheric pieces and his new single, Over and Over which included uplifting female vocals and again, had a slight techno feel; apparently a tribute to Donna Summer.  This was followed by his amazing remix of Icehouse’s Great Southern Land, which is more layered and progressive sounding.  He introduced his favourite track Rewind, which incorporated breakbeats and industrial sounds.  The final tracks he played had an Eastern feel about them with haunting female vocals, yet still very upbeat. 

The crowd cheered and absolutely loved the whole thing.  Endorphin’s encore, which he dedicated to George Bush and John Howard, clearly showed us his political stance.  He totally made a fool of both leaders by having the dancer’s cavort around with cut-out smiley faces kicking around a globe of the world like two children playing with a ball.  A very powerful message indeed, especially with the Federal election so close.

The music from Endorphin’s new album was uplifting and inspiring and the performance itself with the dancers and visuals made it a really wonderful artistic experience.  What better way to spend a Sunday evening!