Live Review: Cosmo’s Midnight, Arno Faraji, Banoffee

In the second-to-last show of their Australian headline tour, Cosmo’s Midnight wowed the local Hobart crowd with their electric mixes and provocative energy, making it feel like one big party with the best DJs in town.

Nineteen-year-old Arno Faraji opened the show with some bass-heavy rap that immediately got the crowd moving, particularly the jam-packed under-18s section. It was clear that the Perth native was very comfortable on stage as he garnered enthusiasm from fans, pumping out one song after the other while maintaining his electric stage presence. Screams from front-row attendees increased in volume as Faraji grabbed a fan’s phone and held it up to the crowd group selfie-style, all while never missing a beat.

LA-based, Melbourne-born artist Banoffee came on shortly after with a much moodier stage set-up. Her ethereal voice melded beautifully with the thoughtfully produced music, which she played effortlessly by herself on stage using a touchpad. Her energy radiated around the room as she engaged her audience with encouraging hand gestures and the occasional dip into the crowd, maintaining this spirited attitude for the entirety of her set. 

An interlude of ‘70s disco classics began playing between the sets, sparking excitement for the funk-inspired show to come. The sold out venue began to fill rapidly, when suddenly hushed murmurs grew into screams as the two Sydney brothers from Cosmo’s Midnight took to the stage. Opening with their latest single, C.U.D.I. (Can U Dig It), we were immediately transported to a summery destination as the groovy bass line and gang vocals filled the room. In an instant, fans were lifted onto the shoulders of their friends and the entire crowd was vibing to the beat, screaming every word.

“Holy shit, Hobart, thanks for coming,” said Patrick Liney, a genuine look of awe on his face while looking out into the charged-up crowd. It was refreshing to experience an electronic group that still uses analogue instruments, adding a more authentic feeling to their performance. They continued to take us through their discography, slowing it down with some bass-heavy R&B inspired tracks like Dreamer, and back up with a cover of Moloko’s Sing It Back, with accompanying vocals from a local Hobart singer. People continued to dance their hearts out surrounded by familiar faces – it seemed as though no one could pass through the crowd without bumping into someone they knew.

As they prepared to play their hit final song, History, Cosmo Liney gazed into the audience and said, “I still can’t believe this is happening, it’s such a fantasy to me.” Their grateful attitude towards their fans was to be admired, reciprocated by the pure ecstasy of some of their audience.