Project Description
Franz Ferdinand and MGMT
@ Hordern Pavilion
(Live Review)
25/07/18
Reviewer: Dana Hashem
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My oh my, what an incredible show! The two co-headlining bands touched down to Sydney right after their Splendour in the Grass appearance, to deliver one massive exceptional show. Two of the biggest icons of indie rock joined forces at the Hordern Pavilion for one big hell of a night.
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“We’re Franz Ferdinand from Glasgow, Scotland,” – Alex Kapranos
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Franz Ferdinand
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Franz Ferdinand hit the stage first, keeping the crowd on their feet from start to finish. I personally only knew two songs but I found myself indulging in their set. Lead singer Alex Kapranos carried out the show and had myself and the crowd grooving at all times. He was able to keep the audience attentive from his crowd interaction. He got the entire general admission area to bend on their knees during a number. I, on the other hand, decided to stay standing to observe the entire floor filled with people become beneath me, it was quite liberating. ‘No Girls’ and ‘Take Me Out’ were the only songs I knew and it felt so nostalgic. ‘Take Me Out’ was the highlight of the evening. Franz Ferdinand had the entire arena sing along the chant ‘Take Me Out’.
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MGMT
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Following the theme of nostalgia, MGMT hit the stage. The two boys from Connecticut seemed rather dark, making little to no movement on stage. ‘Electric Feel’, ‘Time to Pretend’ and ‘Kids’ had the crowd and myself dancing non-stop but it seemed that much of their songs off the ‘Little Dark Age’ record they were enjoying playing much more. MGMT’s sound changed allot with their recently released record, taking a more alternative route. The set consisted of a good balance of old and new records, like ‘Electric Feel’ for example. The track came out of nowhere and it was quite exciting after a more darker, slower ballad.
Allot of emphasis was on the visuals, stage props and lighting more so than the music itself. All elements definitely complemented each other, but a lack of energy from the duo, that I had been waiting to see for years. But the visuals were incredible, with the main focal point being a huge inflated balloon that resembled the cover art figure off the ‘Little Dark Age’ record . The MGMT boys definitely did not have the same energy as Franz Ferdinand, however I think they’re energy reflected their music ambience. Both bands engaged to their own right, engaging with an array of audience members of different tastes.
It was an incredible show! The indie rock icon delivered an exceptional experience of music that I have been listening to for years to life. The co-headline show was a perfect combination of two legends coming together on one stage for an unforgettable night.
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