Thu Mar 25 - The Tivoli

DJ Sampology provides some background sound in the form of remixed classics as punters mill about at the first of this year’s Bacardi Express festivals, but things don’t heat up until The Cassette Kids burst speakers with their electro pop. The Kids play tunes from their upcoming album, Nothing on TV, and you’d swear it was 1984. Following a slick changeover, Melbourne’s Miami Horror stay in theme with another round of synthesised, sugary dance beats. Unfortunately their live sound never lives up to expectations, and all anyone’s saying is, “Oh, I know this song.” when hit single Sometimes is played.

Yves Klein Blue break up the electro fest with their own brand of new wave punk. Working through a mashup of genres, the foursome gain crowd approval with the jangly keys of Getting Wise and the undeniably catchy, if unpredictable, Polka. 

Three-piece synthpop party-starters Art Vs. Science have taken time out from the final stages of recording their second album to remind supporters why they loved the first so much. You can almost see toes being broken as the Sydneysiders pump out hit after hit to a hyped crowd – warming up with Parlez Vous Francais? before launching into Hollywood and Flippers. It’s hard to pick a highlight, although if their new song Magic Fountain is any indication of the forthcoming album we’re in for another round of festival favourites.

English synthpop duo La Roux exceed expectations with a set of epic proportions. Frontwoman Elly Jackson has an alluring androgyny that’s got all eyes glued, and her vocals are flawless. In true crowd-pleasing fashion La Roux cram the short set with their long list of singles including I’m Not Your Toy and Bulletproof, and I’m pretty sure everyone’s going home happy.

MEG COLLIS

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