Normally the anticipation of a Friday night gig would have me amped a week in advance.
However since the catastrophe of my Monday night Netball Grand Final had left me with torn ligaments in my ankle, my mood was somewhat dampened.
I decided however to brave the daunting thoughts of the never ending stairs into the depths of the HI-FI Bar, but luckily enough Karma had dealt it’s blow earlier in the week and I had the nice guys take me down in the lift.
I was to see Ladytron. Honestly though, I was not familiar with Ladytron and what to expect. So I winged it, and on chance from word of mouth, bought a ticket and somehow ended up at the HI FI knowing (and hoping) they were a band I had to catch!
An eclectic mix of fans was keen to support local boys Mission Control. They were mildly entertaining and delivered a small set. I struggled to understand lyrically and vocally the messages they were sending. Perhaps a sound technicality was to blame, or perhaps it could have been my own jealously, as the lead singer proceeded to jump on the drum kit 2mins in, as I sat, uncomfortably, crutch in hand. I did dig their first single Chariots of Fire, and have since listened on MySpace and enjoyed with a little less suffering.
A little ELO (It’s A Living Thing) intro to welcome them to the stage was a nice touch and being such a small stage and venue I wondered how they would all fit including gear and be able to deliver a decent set.
Hot off their recent collaboration with Brian Eno at the Sydney 'Luminous' festival and being here only last October promoting their new album, they seem to love Australian shores as much as their fans love them.
The group of six took the stage and appeared rather timid. Within seconds Ladytron had shed their shy exterior and proved how incredibly strong their bond is musically and personally, easily working the stage and the crowd responded well. It did seem the pain from my torn ligaments had dissipated and sadly a little toe tapping was all I could muster, but was glad to be feeling the spell from the music. The vocals and drums were strong, base and guitar a little lost at some points, but a great set was delivered.
Tunes ‘Ghosts’, ‘Runaway’ and ‘Seventeen’ sold me in their simplicity and contrasting abstraction. I surprised myself at feeling such movement considering my lack of Ladytron knowledge. That is the power of the music however, and glad for another Friday night well spent. I am thankful for what crazy part of me monetarily thought of opting out of the gig had been forlorn. Must have been the painkillers for the ankle clouding my judgment.
I hobbled out of the HI-FI left wondering is there any other way to spend a Friday night?
