LEISURE - A Wholesome Experience

Over the weekend, New Zealand band LEISURE wrapped up their twister Australian tour at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney. Supported by Brisbane R&B star DVNA and Melbourne electro tastemaker Luboku, the night was a vibrant exploration of sonic sensations.

Opening the evening was the warm tones of DVNA. The Brissy act generated quite a bit of buzz at this year’s BIGSOUND, and it’s clear why. Her swooning R&B flirted with the fortunate folks who came down early. Performing playful renditions of her studio recordings ‘Sushi In Tokyo’, ‘Looking Like A Snack’ and ‘Girl On The Move’ and a lush rework of Flume’s ‘Never Be Like You’, DVNA engrossed the crowd in spectacular fashion.

Fellow BIGSOUND alumni, Luboku followed suit, with his emotion fuelled electronica. His soul tingling and touching take on electronic music bridges the gap between dance and introspection. The surging set thrusted through the crowd resulting in a euphonious experience. Tracks such as ‘Solar Flare’, ‘Forget’, and ‘Without You’ resonated as the Oxford Art Factory’s main room reached capacity.

With the congregation of music fans warmed up by the two phenomenal supports, it was time for LEISURE. The set from the mellow funk collective consisted of stimulating selections from twister, and fan favourite releases. The sultry and suave soundscape exuded from the stage as the six piece band grooved and moved their way though the night. Reflecting this, the crowd formed a choir, fully involving themselves as the band belted out tracks such as ‘Money’, ‘Know You Better’, ‘Easy Way Out’, and ‘Got It Bad’.

Overall LEISURE’s final stop on the twister tour was a wholesome experience that I’ll cherish for some time.