Anonymeye has just started as I reach the top of the Zoo’s stairs, layered banjo and electronics gently wafting out of the speakers as he gazes intently at his computer. As always, the music is lovely: delicate melodies and subtle ambience. Unfortunately, his sound is suited to more intimate venues, with a more intent audience. Despite a well-crafted set, it’s just not loud enough to fill the space, or to gain the undivided attention of the sparse early crowd. His support slot later this week with Chihei Hatakeyama will provide a much better chance for those so inclined to appreciate his new tracks.

The Laurels, out of Sydney, take to the stage next, and definitely don’t have a problem with volume; their reverb alone builds a palpable wall. Propelled by an impressive and hypnotic rhythm section, the wash of guitar and spaced out vocals is an unusual, but not unwelcome, contrast to tonight’s other acts. Even the occasional bursts of unintentional feedback from one of the mics end up enhancing the songs, always a good sign with shoegaze. More than a little reminiscent of The Dandy Warhols in their psychedelic moments, The Laurels may not have the originality of tonight’s headliners, but they make a solid impact, and by the end of their set have amassed an appreciative crowd down near the stage, your reviewer amongst them.

There’s a long gap until Seekae finally takes to the stage and the crowd is growing restless. The band’s growing popularity has led to an odd mix at The Zoo tonight, the standard live crowd mixing with the ultra-trendy and more than a smattering of Bros, who seem particularly indignant at the wait and take to shouting at the band members as they set up. It’s nice to see a solid turn-out, following on from the sell-out show at Woodland, but the crowd tonight does little to bolster my faith in humanity.

With setup finally accomplished, Seekae launch into their songs with vigour. Tonight’s set leans heavily on the new album +Gnor, and features a lot less guitar work than previous outings, but the use of synths and external triggers keep the band from being trapped behind their laptops and the addition of live drums on many tracks gives their music a pounding ferocity without losing the more cerebral melodies and glitches that are the band’s hallmark. While their sound borrows more from idm than techno, the band deliver their complex beats well and with a sense of urgency that gets the packed audience moving.

They slow things down towards the end of the set, featuring four instrumental hip-hop tracks, perhaps more reminiscent of the member’s side-projects, which are well received. The main set closes with 3, one of the strongest tracks off their new album, and as the band wanders off-stage, the restive audience clearly wants more. After the brief and compulsory break, Seekae return for their encore, with two tracks off their first album, The Sound of Trees Falling On People. These display the band’s pedigree, and the final track, a heavily reworked and extended version of Snax, is particularly enjoyable, sending punters buzzing happily off into the night.

- Words and photos by Sky Kirkham