Live Review: Deradoorian, Oscar Key Sung

Oscar Key Sung is behind the decks before the main event and, while space in which to move and top-notch beats are welcome treats, his set goes largely unappreciated/unnoticed by the sun dried-tomato chugging crowd present.

From the US of A, Deradoorian - the solo project of former Dirty Projector, Angel Deradoorian - has a bit of an anti-climactic beginning due to no one in the venue knowing how to dim the house lights for the performance. Once things do actually begin, when Angel and her sister Arlene reach their first harmonious, Tibetan-flavoured peak, those present pay attention.

In comparison to past trips to NGV, tonight's audience is a little more sparse, which is actually a bit of a relief and, for the most part, allows us to actually see and hear the band over the wine-swilling rabble. The two are set up facing each other and display a virtuoso attitude throughout. Latest single Your Creator is an early highlight with its slow building beat and heavy bass that causes a tap in the foot as it progresses. The A Clockwork Orange-sounding synth of Violet Minded is also great to witness live and a sense similar to what the film gives off so well is so perfectly captured. What should have been the unquestionable highlight of the night - the loop-heavy, '70s pop of A Beautiful Woman - only comes across as average as it is rushed (or errors arise); the sound for the track is also woeful leaving the song's live drumming inaudible and vocals muddy. The band finish with Moon (off the 2009 EP Mind Raft) and, again, it's a little disappointing - failing to capture the original's intensity/darkness or even its length. The show then wraps up 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled finish time to scattered applause given only by those who are true fans.

The problem with this show is that it lacks any real form of atmosphere from which to grow, rendering it as almost background music.