It’s the crowning valediction for LCD Soundsystem before they throw down the keytar indefinitely: a farewell world tour with innovative dance geeks Hot Chip in tow (a headlining band in their own right). Their Australian leg kicked off last night at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion before hitting Melbourne on Thursday and then a set at Splendour In The Grass on Friday, and a few of Pedestrian’s pals were in attendance to disco down, give us the lowdown, and play Spot The Splendour Act in the audience – including Nick Valensi from The Strokes and the dudes from Yeasayer.
SPOILER ALERT: There are some set list spoilers in the text below.
HOT CHIP
Hot Chip are one of the best live acts out there so it was strange seeing them in the role of support band. They continue to re-work and re-invent their material adding calypso drums and rhythms, guitar wig-outs and insane drum breaks which takes their recorded work to a whole new dimension. They definitely missed having more attention being paid to their sound and the absence of the lighting show that usually accompanies their shows meant that you didn’t get the full experience.
Joe Goddard (the bearded, cuddly, friendly-looking guy) and his wife just had a baby and isn’t on this tour. He was replaced by a visage beamed up on a screen like the Great And Powerful Oz for the songs that he does vocals.
Highlights “Ready for the Floor” – Yes we are.
Hot Chip live (not from last night)
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
James Murphy is the disco Elvis (and not just because he’s busting out of his shirts) – he just commands attention and his voice really is phenomenal live.
They broke their kick drum pedal two songs in, which led to a shout out by JM to Jullia Thompson who turned 30 – happy birthday Jules (this led to other notes being handed onstage) and JM doing a shoutout to a couple of newlyweds who he then serenaded with a short version of “Love is In the Air” before leading into the highlight of the gig, “All My Friends”. They have been joined on tour by visionary musician/artist Gavin Russom. Normally the repetitive fidgety keyboard chords are played by a sampler but Russom played the keyboard part live throughout the whole song which was incredible.
*FYI for Melbournites, he is playing a DJ set at the Toff in Melbourne tomorrow – some more info here .
Despite playing a largely greatest hits selection from all their albums they didn’t play “Someone Great” or “Time to Get Away” which was a real shame – maybe if every one of their songs isn’t pushing 10 mins, they could have fitted them in. They closed the encore with “New York I Love You” that segued into an “Empire State of Mind” cover they’ve been playing.
Hightights “All My Friends”, “Losing My Edge”, “Drunk Girls” and a stirring version of “Daft Punk is Playing at My House”.
