Indie electro pop trio Lilt stormed a sold out Jimmy’s Den in Northbridge on Saturday night, flooding the packed venue with lush brooding dance tunes for the launch of their latest single “Wait No More”. Bringing along fellow locals Phocal and Angus Dawson, the show was a full house, full volume yet intimate affair highlighting the stellar electronic acts that have been building in Perth.
Opening early with a new four piece lineup, Angus Dawson arrived with a strong accompaniment of keys and synths, mixing ethereal rises with vocal distortions and layered melodies. The venue seemed close to capacity so soon after doors open with those in the front line of the crowd jostling along to the closing tracks, before Dawson packed up and relocated a few streets down in support for Boo Seeka.
Phocal followed raising the anticipation as they were joined by saxophonist which did not disappoint. Catching the duo live for the first time their music was a perfect blend of electro hypnotic beats from JCAL with a soulful almost funk inspired vocals of Phoebe Gunson creating a harmonic diversity in each track. Their stage presence more than balanced the packed room as fans quickly took to the small gap between crowd and performers to enact some euphoric dance moves. Taking over a cover of Kid Cudi‘s “Pursuit of Happiness” ft. MGMT began minimally enough before erupting as it should, Gunson’s vocals completely winning me over.
The room ritualistically edged to front of stage for the main act, the dim colourful lighting faded by the smoke machine setting the scene for a theatrical arrival with frontwoman Louise Penman emerging in a black hooded coat, Matt Maclean and Brett Walsh either side on keys and drums. The rich vibes brought on by the support acts were overflowing. As Penman ditched the coat for a guitar, the subtle dancing grew before a slight intermission as a few words and thanks were shared over the groups journey, culminating in the nights single launch where “Wait No More” truly ignited the room.
Any slight on stage uncertainties were absent during the set, each song transitioned into the next with a cool confidence that gave immediate attention to Penman’s soaring vocals, at no point overtaken instrumentally by the strong sounds building from the percussion and keys. “Don’t Tell Me” rung out just as great as the first time I had heard it live with the high notes pitched against haunting synth loops. The shouts and whistles from amongst the front row broke up the dream like state briefly throughout giving the feeling of a celebration over the gig, you couldn’t even get upset at the spilt drinks as people manoeuvred around each other in the cosy space.
With each act on the delivering such an engaging set it’s amazing to think they are yet to release a full length debut, the indie electronic stylings becoming more polished and brave you can only look forward to what comes from here.
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