10 Acts You Weren’t Going To See at Splendour (But You Totally Should)
10 Acts You Weren’t Going To See at Splendour (But You Totally Should)
MANSIONAIR
This Sydney trio have turned out just a couple of recorded tracks, but they’re some of the best takes on the indie pop-meets slow-wave-crossover that’s starting to poke its head out of the success of Flume, Chet Faker et al. Hooks so catchy you’ll swear you’ve known them since forever, layered with beautiful vocals for an airy, dreamlike performance. Get in to see these guys before they inevitably crack the mainstream.
See if you like: Flume, Chet Faker, Hermitude
EVES THE BEHAVIOR
No, I didn’t get corrected by my American editor-overlords, EVES THE BEHAVIOR really spells her name like that, all capitals and minus a U. Her debut track TV got a lot of love from Triple J, but she’s since been busy writing all kinds of new material. Experimental poptronica dealing with themes of synesthesia and dissociation, densely layered with thick synths and delicate vocals, EVES THE BEHAVIOR lies somewhere between Robyn and Lorde. At just 18 years old, she’s definitely one to watch for the future and a great act to check out at Splendour.
See if you like: Lorde, SAFIA, Sia
PAUL MAC
I shouldn’t need to convince you to go see Paul Mac. He’s one of the godfathers of Australian dance music; his track “Sweetness and Light” (with Itch-e and Scratch-e) was recently voted the number one Aussie dance track of all time by InTheMix. So why put him on this list? Well, a disturbingly low billing on Friday night means you might not have realised that he was going to be there at all. And maybe you think, “Okay, he put out some stuff in the early noughties, but what’s he done lately?” Feast your ears on “State of War,” the lead single from his recent LP Holiday From Me. Combine this with the relative infrequency of gigs – Mac’s last live appearances were in 2006 – and you’ve got a show solidly in the “can’t miss” column.
See if you like: The Presets, Tonite Only, Daft Punk
SKEGSS
These lo-fi punkers are the winners of the Triple J Unearthed competition, and that by itself should get you halfway to the pit. The competition is hotly contested, and winning doesn’t mean a lot if you’re performing to an empty dancefloor. Lovers of live music: new music needs you, and getting your arse out to see up-and-coming acts is important. But if anything should get you over the line, it’s the catchy, easygoing surfer punk riffs that are garnering these Byron natives a local reputation. They’ll be on Saturdayarvo; rock up with a bevvy in hand and get yourself ready to go for the big night.
See if you like: Frenzhal Rhomb, Courtney Barnett, Mac Demarco
THE KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW
There’s a few entries on this list that fall into the category of “weird shit,” and this might be the weirdest; but then, if you didn’t like weird shit, you probably wouldn’t be at Splendour. Hailing from Montreal, these two guys embrace the kind of weirdo culture that made TISM a national icon, only instead of pub rock and ’80s dance they’re doing doo-wop and lo-fi garage punk. The records are soft, but expect the live show to be loud as fuck; angular, aggressive and a non-stop riot.
See if you like: TISM, Fats Domino, weird shit
NANCY WHANG
Whang earned her bona fides with contributions to LCD Soundsystem and The Juan Maclean, and it shines through in her solo brand of dreamy ’80s electronica. If you need a dance, you can’t walk past it. Heartily embracing the classic 808 drum sound and the raw digital effects of early ’80s electro – with a side serving of classic disco sensibility – Nancy taps straight into the base of your skull and gets your feet moving on their own. Check her irresistible cover of “I Was Made For Loving You.”
See if you like: LCD Soundsystem, DFA, Donna Summer
THE DELTA RIGGS
Gold coast four-piece The Delta Riggs earned their stripes supporting the Foo Fighters on their recent Australian tour, and last year’s LP Dipz Zabazios showcases the psychedelic stoner rock that got them on that stage. Warmth and fuzz abound, with lyrics that throw back to Rubber Soul and a nod or two to Britpop headliners Blur. Relentlessly addictive tunes make this a show that will have you engaged from start to finish.
See if you like: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Blur, DZ Deathrays
SHLOHMO
I said that King Khan & BBQ took out the title of weirdest shit on this list, but Shlohmo is keen to give them a run for their money. This is deeply experimental electronica, drawing on postmodernist sound art and textural exploration, combined with minimalist beats. Nevertheless there are pop elements that underrun the project, catchy melodies and chord progressions that give the listener something to hook into. For the first time Shlohmo is bringing a live three-piece band with him, so this is definitely a performance to look out for.
See if you like: Decoder Ring, Jon Hopkins, weird shit
UV BOI فوق بنفسجي
I once heard Gotye’s name described as “hard to pronounce but easy to Google”. Adelaide’s UV boi فوق بنفسجي is hard to pronounce and even harder to Google, but it doesn’t seem to be slowing him down. (And if you’re wondering, فوق بنفسجي is simply “ultraviolet” in Arabic.) UV boi has been making big strides in the local trap game, upping the syncopation to Dillinger Escape Plan levels but retaining the hip hop roots of the genre. Meanwhile he’s smashing together all kind of sounds, pop vocals, slow-wave synths, horns and guitars and pianos and iPhone-message-tone-samples all coralled into an evocative but danceable mess. Another young gun destined for big things; expect a lot of weirdness at his show, but definitely bring your dancing shoes.
See if you like: Gucci Mane, Star Slinger, FKA Twigs
TKAY MAIDZA
Like Paul Mac, I shouldn’t have to convince you to go to this. Tkay is a boss, and she doesn’t need me to wax poetic about her lyrical prowess. But if you’re not in the hip hop game, there’s maybe an outside chance you haven’t heard Switch Lanes or M.O.B. Or maybe you just think this isn’t for you. Whatever the reason, if there’s a shadow of doubt in your head, hear me: go to this show, go, go, do not hesitate. If only for this: we need to clear the name of Aussie Women in Hip Hop. Yes, Iggy, I’m looking at you. Tkay can undo that damage. Watch the gig, buy the album, turn her into the Aussie superstar we deserve.
See if you like: Beyoncé, Kanye West, music
