It all started in June 1984. Although I could barely function independently as a five-month-old child around the same time, Australian electro-pop group Pseudo Echo were breaking their way into the top of the charts during the release of their debut album, Autumnal Park, in a successful bid to make their presence well known in the music industry, domestically and internationally.
The generational gap did not deter me or others from what seemed to be an eclectic mix of young and old(er) guests who gathered at the recently established Merivale live music hotspot, Upstairs Beresford. While a small portion of young adults decided to dress for the occasion in acid wash jeans, off the shoulder tops, neon PVC bangles and crimped hair, the more mature minded mob tried to make themselves heard, perhaps in an attempt to reminisce about the days that were, as the hits of the ‘80s blasted through the room, from The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” to Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
It wasn’t until a “new-wave” of ‘80s nostalgia swept through that newcomers, Die For You, brought the crowd to attention as they radically made their first appearance with electrifying synth-pop tune, “Sex Games.” The young four-piece male band drew in the majority of eyes from the audience while the production of synthesisers and collective charisma commandeered the set in a linear fashion.
Towards the end, it all became too much to handle as the masses broke out into rhythmic moves as “Radioactive” (a track about being young, in love and listening to the radio) played, much to their approval, while new single and recently shot “Attention” made for a strong send off.
Things went from good to better as native heroes of the night, Pseudo Echo, staked their claim and proved that the ‘80s are back and in a big way… minus the hair. Familiarity was welcomed in opener “Stranger in Me” with lead singer Brian Canham sounding as sharp as ever. The oscillating electronic sounds delivered by Pierre Gigliotti and James Leigh propelled the band to reach dizzying heights of aural pleasure as they continued to radiate through the set.
The entertainment endured as “I Will Be You” became the unofficial sing-a-long anthem of the night and “Destination Unknown” showcased the brilliant skills of drummer Vince Leigh. The finale was a mixed bag as they started off with their trademark track “Funky Town” and gradually went off-track to a tribute snippet of Real Life classic hit “Send Me An Angel”. The ambiguity remained in fleeting form as Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” was played, as well as a dash of Devo.
At this stage, I was wondering where it was all going, until they took a quick turn and reverted back to the show-stopping final number of “Funky Town,” taking me by surprise. Not to mention the fact that Pseudo Echo are sounding better than ever live by maintaining their momentum throughout the night, much to the delight of the crowd, who welcomed them back with open ears.
In true form, it’s always great to end a show with “an oldie but a goodie”.
Setlist:
1. Stranger In Me
2. In Their Time
3. Dancing Until Midnight
4. Don’t Go
5. Lies Are Nothing
6. His Eyes
7. A Beat For You
8. Walk Away
9. I Will Be You
10. Living In A Dream
11. Fast Cars
12. Destination Unknown
13. Listening
14. Love An Adventure
15. Over Tomorrow
16. Funky Town
