Live Review: Flight Facilities, Client Liaison

Now we know we just arrived at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre in the 21st century, but Client Liaison’s Monte Morgan and Harvey Miller have us in an ‘80s and ‘90s time warp. We don’t know what takes us back more, the dance electric duo’s heavy, synth-pop songs such as Feed The Rhythm and Queen, or singer Monte Morgan’s Mel Gibson-inspired mullet. With Miller on keys, Morgan continues the ‘80s theme with his choice of outfit – tight white pants, no top and black, sparkly jacket – which is accompanied by essentially awkward, ‘80s dance moves. These guys won triple j’s Laneway Unearthed competition and opened the Victorian Festival in 2014. So is it any wonder they’ve also been nominated for two The Age Music Victoria Awards (Best Band and Best Emerging Artist) this year? Next time we’re bringing our stacked fluorescent bangles, mesh tops and crimped comb-overs.

The screen backdrop lights up with airplane interior visuals and a cabin announcement coaxes us to buckle up to enjoy the ride with Flight Facilities. In keeping with the theme, Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell appear behind their personalised decks sporting pilot outfits. Two Bodies, fresh off their debut album Down To Earth, lifts us off and Emma Louise – the lady behind the soft, relaxed vocals – graces the stage in a black and white halter-top, black pants and blonde pixie bob. The euphoric, ephemeral tune blends seamlessly into I Didn’t Believe. Even when not playing a particular song, our pilots continue the electronic beats and sustain a continuous groove for the crowd. Singer Kurt Kristen leads us into crowd favourite With You dressed in a sharp suit, hair back in a slick, blonde ponytail. Stand Still makes us want to anything but with its distinctive ticking-whistle beat. Emma Louise returns to the stage and her goose bump-inducing vocals cover Giselle’s parts during Crave You, a Flight Facilities classic.

Their last song is a surprise, but a good one, as the boys announce, “This is the biggest venue that we’ve ever, ever played in… love is in the air tonight.” The intro into John Paul Young’s Love Is In The Air sees group hugs and swaying all ‘round. The perfect end to a perfect show.