The Presets        17.02.13

The Tivoli

The Presets are an unlikely duo to be at the forefront of the Australian electronic music scene.  On first glance, they appear to be a pair of regular joe’s – highly unconventional considering the trend of musicians who bedazzle their costume and make-up to the nines.  However, as the eager crowd began chanting ‘Presets! Presets! Presets!’ – screaming as Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes took their places, I realized that they’re more about the the sound than the people.  The persona rather than the look.

One things for sure, their show assaults the senses.

Opening with ‘Push’ from their third album Pacifica, they set the unwavering pace that followed for the rest of the set.  The Presets are all about brightly coloured lights smacking youf retinas, isometric digital shapes and pop-culture(ish) images splashing across screens on stage and music.  Every part of it is LOUD.  As they followed with ‘A New Sky’ from their sophomore album Apocalypso (the crowd favourite) and popped a few oldies such as ‘Girl Under the Sea’ in for good measure, it was intriguing how their sound has evolved.  From the steady paced electronica of Beams, to pumping anthems (‘This Boy’s in Love’ and a revamped ‘Talk Like That’ exceptional crowd pleasers) of Apocalypso and then back to their mellowed-down roots in Pacifica, each bound together by the unique vocal tone of Hamilton.

Moyes and Hamilton, as I mentioned earlier, have distinct stage persona’s that will either irritate, or in my case entertain.  Hamilton grooves along at his decks, quite reservedly with only a bit of hand-waving for good measure.  It’s Moyes who attracts the most attention, with his stone-faced gaze, calculated movements and seemingly blaze` attitude to the entire thing – except to raise drumsticks like a god seeking worship.

The set kicked on with ‘Promises’ and ‘Ghosts’, which had everyone chanting like devotees as Moyes ran between rocking his drumset and decks – but it was the opening chords of the next track that had the devotees dancing like the possessed.  ‘My People’, arguably The Presets’ greatest hit and one of the most recognisable tracks the Australian electronic scene set the venue alight, with the flashing strobes and intense volume perfect.

Drawing their let to a close with ‘Surrender’, ‘Kicking and Screaming’, my body was fatigued but my mind racing from the colourful assault on the major senses I’d witnessed.  It was a very satisfying show for any Presets fan, however those not quite familiar with their tracks may find the show and sound a little repetitive.

– Danielle Muir

Photography by Nathan Frost