Reviewed by Meghan Player
Spectrum Now Festival has been playing to its strengths in 2016, with a vast array of music, entertainment, talks and exhibitions being held across various locations in Sydney. The creation of the Big Top in The Domain has been one such highlight, showcasing some of the finest Australian acts for each night of the festival.
Tonight, Central Coast local Dustin Tebbutt perfectly compliments the broad strokes and spectrum of headliners Birds of Tokyo, making him the ideal support act. Astoundingly, the tracks create an unusual intimacy within the largish venue, allowing the audience to be transported to an ethereal place of dreamy soundscapes.
Having been a fan of Tebbutt’s music since first hearing The Breach in 2013, it was interesting to witness how the sounds and structure of each of the songs come together in a live setting; becoming an art performance in their own right.
One thing is certain, Tebbutt knows how to hit at your heartstrings in the most beautiful (yet haunting) way, and I, for one, am interested to see how his music progresses in the future.
Headliners Birds of Tokyo certainly need no introduction to Australian audiences, with their unique blend of atmospheric rock being the driving force behind the bands success.
Tonight’s set certainly adds another massive tick in bands live history; with a flawless performance that cements the bands position as one the best live acts in Australia.
As soon as the band hit the stage, the bar is already set incredibly high; with their confidence and enthusiasm not seeming to waver throughout the entire set.
When The Night Falls Quiet, Wild at Heart, Plans and I’d Go With You Anywhere all make the stellar set tonight; a clear celebration of the bands impressive career thus far. However, it’s the stripped down version of Boy that is the highlight of the night; with Ian Kenny’s vocals hitting all the right notes, and breaking our hearts in the process.
With the band currently working on a new album, which promises a new chapter in the bands sound and style, tonight’s set can assure fans that every bit of their heart and soul will be poured into it’s creation; and no doubt, it will be superb.
Headliner: Birds of Tokyo
Support: Dustin Tebbutt
Event: Spectrum Now Festival – The Domain, Sydney
Date: 11 March, 2016
Review and photos by Meghan Player
Photos from the night are here…
Spectrum Now Festival details here…
Visit spectrumnow.com.au for all details.