Van She’s debut album ‘V’ was launched to a large crowd at ANU Bar on Wednesday 24th September, with supporting acts Art vs Science and Lost Valentinos along for the ride. The night was a great success, filled with tight performances and happy punters!
The night started with a big bang filled with an infusion of sounds, as Art vs Science took to the stage. The band, who have only been together for 6 months, have already landed gigs like Splendour In the Grass and Parklife in Sydney. The boys were also lucky enough to score a spot at the hugely popular Falls Festival later this year. This is quite an accomplishment for a band that is yet to sign with a label or management team. They boast dirty synths filled with Justice and Daft Punk-esque influences. Their stage presence set the mood for the following bands, with loud and abrasive vocals accompanied by head shaking and an energetic vibe. Art vs Science produce a trend-setting sound with wit and eccentricity, mixing the obscure grooves of pop with pulsating backbeats.
Following Art vs Science we had Lost Valentinos, who have been around since 2005 (although originally known as The Valentinos). These boys put on a very tight show that was an energetic explosion of 80s new wave with 90s dance grooves. The indie guitar licks are a tantalising taste for the ears, and it made me vicariously relive the nostalgic tunes of my childhood. The heavy layering of guitars and huge beats caused a shifting soundscape which varied between songs. Lost Valentinos are a small band with big ideas, and it creates a sound that is a mix between post-punk grooves, dance and psychedelic rock.
Finally, it was time for the headliners Van She. Having seen them a few times in the past I was surprise by their show tonight. It was tighter than ever before, which must be a welcome side-effect from all the touring they’ve done following the release of their album V. Their sound was tight, the synth sound borrowed straight from the 80s giving them a pure electro-pop vibe. The drum loops, played by Tomek Archer, are a quintessential accompaniment to the exuberant sounds of Michael Di Francesco’s synth. Although they played some deceptively mellow tunes the crowd was in awe of the brilliant performance. The electro-pop sound mixed with the psychedelic voice of Nick Routledge complemented the deep reverberations of Matt Van Schie’s bass. Kelly was played to utmost perfection, the highly driven synth song sounding modern and fresh after an update for the debut album. Van She have a unique sound, something like a mix between French house and synth pop, quite reminiscent of M83.
Overall the night was a great success, filled with tight tunes from Van She, Lost Valentinos and Art vs Science. Each band complemented each other, giving the music fans something to be very proud of as they’re all local acts. We are fast becoming pioneers in the electro-indie crossover sound, and it was evident through these three bands that Australia is no longer stuck in the dark ages. We are producing artists that are a dynamic breed of mixed genres, creating music that is uniquely our own.
