Little Dragon
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Image courtesy of sfstation.com
I’ve never been good at putting labels on music. Rather than try to put it into a box I prefer to let the magic of a new song wash over me – the lyrics connecting with past experience and melody floating through my ear like a silkworm.
It was like that when I first heard “Twice” by Gothenburg quartet, Little Dragon. Earth-shakingly beautiful, I was hooked. An instant convert to their particular brand of quirky, soulful, jazz-tinged electronica-pop… or whatever it was.
It was like that when I first heard “Twice” by Gothenburg quartet, Little Dragon. Earth-shakingly beautiful, I was hooked. An instant convert to their particular brand of quirky, soulful, jazz-tinged electronica-pop… or whatever it was.
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Having missed their last Melbourne show, I was eagerly anticipating seeing how they would bring these intricate songs to life at a sold out show at one of my favourite Melbourne venues, the Corner Hotel.
Arriving late, I found a prime position well clear of the infamous ‘pole’ just in time to see the familiar red velvet curtains roll open. After rapturous applause, the three male band members appeared, only to fade into the background and side of stage. Yukimi Nagano sauntered in last, resplendent in fluorescent orange. Here was a group who wanted us to focus squarely on their front-lady. And focus on her, we did. |
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Launching in to two of their more popular jams, “Please Turn” (Ritual Union, 2011) and “My Step” (Machine Dreams, 2009), drummer Erik Boden hammered away like a maniac possessed, bringing their beats to life, with Fredrik Wallin and Hakan Wirenstrand on either side, adeptly floating across multiple synths and bass.
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Image courtesy of tonedeaf.com.au
Photo by Julia Lay
“Would you like us to play some songs from the new album?” Yukimi asked the audience. I’m pretty sure she could have sung the dictionary at this point, such was the spell she’d cast over us, brandishing her trademark, tennis racket-shaped tambourine like a shaman. “Killing Me” and “Underbart” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014) went down well and showcased her flawless vocal performance – so much so, I overheard someone question whether she was miming. She wasn’t.
“Crystalfilm” (Ritual Union, 2011) and “Pretty Girls” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014) followed, alongside “Test” (Little Dragon, 2007), which is one of the first songs they wrote as a band. Finishing up, they smashed out extended versions of crowd favourites “Ritual Union” (Ritual Union, 2011) and “Klapp Klapp” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014), rounding out what was to that point, an almost-perfect set.
“Crystalfilm” (Ritual Union, 2011) and “Pretty Girls” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014) followed, alongside “Test” (Little Dragon, 2007), which is one of the first songs they wrote as a band. Finishing up, they smashed out extended versions of crowd favourites “Ritual Union” (Ritual Union, 2011) and “Klapp Klapp” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014), rounding out what was to that point, an almost-perfect set.
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After a brief disappearance offstage, they launched into encores “Nabuma Rubberband” (Nabuma Rubberband, 2014) and “Blinking Pigs” (Machine Dreams, 2009), with band members swapping instruments and the songs descending into extended jams. But one song was still missing.
Thanking the crowd, a familiar piano refrain began and the band launched into a stunning rendition of “Twice” (Little Dragon, 2007) – the song that had introduced me to this quartet all those years ago. Statue-like, the packed dancefloor (who had only moments ago, been dancing like maniacs), were transfixed. Such is the power of live music. |
Watch Little Dragon's live performance in the Music Feeds studios from 19th August below
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Curious about what happens next? Watch the video for "Pretty Girls" here.
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And then it was over. Walking out into the cool night air, there was a tangible buzz in the crowd. Together, we had been part of something; a perfect show, delivered by four musicians at the top of their game. People, take note: this is what a 21st Century band looks like. Phoebe Dubar |
View Little Dragon's upcoming tour dates here.