Live Review

Future Islands w/ Curse ov Dialect @ The Triffid, 16th November 2015

I’ve always found that there’s a different mood around Monday gigs. The band could be great, the venue might be full – but there’s a gloomy cloud hanging over the nine-to-fivers. I shake off the feeling and venture into the Valley. If anyone can help me forget the Monday blues it’s Future Islands. After missing them at Laneway I’m excited to finally see Samuel T Herring’s iconic dancing and metal growl in person. I arrive at the Triffid early with plenty of time to catch support act Curse ov Dialect. 

Based out of Melbourne, Curse ov Dialect are a four piece hip-hop collective comprised of Raceless, Volk Makedonski, Atarungi, and Paso Bionic. Unsure of what to expect, I’m instantly intrigued by their quirky, theatrical persona. The group take to the stage dressed head to toe in costume – gorilla suits, and blue face paint feature prominently. Right from the get go they have my attention.

Lyrically Curse ov Dialect deal with themes of identity, belonging and racism. They have an interesting story to tell and I find myself totally captivated. The group embody a 90s hip hop style drawing obvious influence from Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang Clan, though no one in their right mind could accuse them of being derivative. They rap to each other and to the crowd, finishing off each other’s sentences and really selling a narrative. It’s thought-provoking, it’s interactive and it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. They have interesting, unique beats and a distinctive, worldly sound. Their production is tight – every word sounds crystal clear.

Midway through the set a masked figure takes the stage. A rumour quickly spreads that it’s Herring’s rap alias Hemlock Ernst. The crowd goes a little wild as Ernst begins to rap, but he’s only up there for a second before he’s gone again. A nice little cameo – if it is indeed him. 

Curse ov Dialect finish the set and not long after, Future Islands take the stage. Herring introduces each song with a short story about its origin and then proceeds to let loose. Herring is now infamous for his eccentric dance style and unique vocals that range from an 80s soft rock hum to a deep, baritone growl. He owns the stage, dancing with the fervour of an excited schoolkid. Herring is an enigmatic, joyful blur and an absolute pleasure to watch. 

Future Islands deliver an hour of delicious synth pop goodness. They’re such an incredible, consistent band which is great, though at times this uniformity is to their detriment. They have perfected that iconic 80s pop sound – they know what works, and they stick to it, which means at times their song structure feels formulaic. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but as I’m watching every moment starts to feel more predictable. There are no imperfections or surprising moments for the audience to grasp to; no natural crests and falls. Future Islands have a shiny, polished sheen – which is what so many bands strive to achieve. But for me, sometimes the imperfection is more interesting.

Overall it’s an amazing performance and to their credit Future Islands are able to set off an epic dance party on a Monday night, which is no small feat. They are such a fun band to see live, and Herring’s vocals are phenomenal. I’m having a good time, but I’m ready to leave after they play, ‘Seasons (Waiting on You)’. Overall a great performance of old and new material that I’m sure would have left every committed fan satisfied.

- Sarah McGowan

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