The UK has seen a rapid resurgence in synthpop recently, and the group from Auckland proved why with an infectiously energetic set of dreamy melodies and big guitar solos.
The rocky tendencies of The Naked And Famous were gleefully received, as a selection of songs from both releases were performed. Slower tracks seemed heartfelt, nicely contrasting the more vibrant numbers, such as All Of This, which exploited its building tendencies to really bring the show to life.
While live shows haven’t always lived up to the intensity of the records, a new and improved tightness was shown off. The harmonisation between Thom Powers and Alisa Xayalith added much needed vocal depth, sitting above atmospheric synth patterns. The duo also made the most of their willing audience, inviting them to join in on various vocal lines.
Lighting effects seemed carefully planned, with colourful sequences followed by intense strobes adding further dynamics. However, the passionate fist pumping felt a little over enthusiastic at times, and could do with some dimming down.
More perfectly chiseled performances could see the band’s popularity rocket even further in the future. Their increasingly poppy tendencies have the potential to raise the group’s status from indie-starlet to genre trendsetter.
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