PVT (previously Pivot) performed to a room of hot and sweaty fans, eager to witness the band play their latest album, Church With No Magic, for the first time in Sydney. With a new approach to match their new name, PVT’s latest leaves a lot more room for Richard Pike’s crooning vocals, an addition that would provide a new live experience for fans. Unfortunately, I missed their first support, Ghouls, but made it in time to see Seekae.
Seekae are a trio gifted with the ability to create powerful ambient music. Despite a reliance on macbooks and gadgets (and just one drumset) to create their electronic, droney sounds, the band had the audience swaying in amazement, struck by the melodic sequences. With an experimental vibe, Seekae carried a set which was everchanging from beginning to end – at times a quiet, moody, beat which would then break into a series of bleeps and percussion. Their music resonated into a hazy, enchanting atmosphere which was an impeccable introduction to PVT’s set.
Following the international success of O Soundtrack My Heart , PVT were under immense stress to impress their fans once more, and Church With No Magic did just that. The crowd was hungry to hear more of Richard Pike’s vocals, and had familiarised themselves with the material enough to enjoy the sweeping electronica and haunting echoes. “Light Up Bright Fires” was executed with such brooding perfection, strengthening their grips on a mesmerised audience.
It was evident to all who were there that PVT’s additional vocals had sent the music reeling with a power it didn’t previously possess and their instrumental tracks, such as “Didn’t I Furious”, failed to stand out in comparison. Regardless, PVT played with the intensity of a band that is proud of their own creation, each member thrashing about with their instruments – a really engaging stage performance. The band also played several tracks from O Soundtrack My Heart , fuelling the captivation of their audience, and leaving us all grinning with the satisfaction that we’d just experienced such a brilliant show.
