Live Review: Gypsy & The Cat, Fishing

Filling the Oxford Art Factory on a night of record rainfall, major political upheaval in our nation's capital and a crucial State of Origin match was never going to be an easy task. 

Fishing, two lads standing behind a MacBook and a mixer opened the night with their experimental electro set standing somewhat fittingly against a colourful psychedelic backdrop that reflected the eclectic nature of their music. A few strained lyrics were heard when the singer suddenly jumped off the stage onto the floor, rapped a few short moments, then got back on stage and continued on as before.

Gypsy And The Cat seem to attract more than their fair share of fans for a night like this. The crowd filled the venue until the lights went down and the backdrop, now animated, exploded with a million different colours and patterns (presumably inspired by the second album cover The Late Blue)and in stark contrast to the grim weather outside.

With Lionel Towers standing centre stage behind a mic stand and guitar, and Xavier Bacash flanked by bass player and drummer, Gypsy And The Cat these days more resemble an electro pop band more than the humble and understated duo they portray themselves as.

Even slower numbers like the electronically assisted computer wizardry that produced Towers' high pitched falsetto voice for Sorry were delivered with energy and verve.

Amidst lesser known but well placed tracks, popular favourites included Time To Wander, The Piper's Song and of course their most popular number Jona Vark - for which Bacash abandoned his keyboards, picked up an acoustic guitar and vigorously strummed it as the night's finale. Only an encore was missing.