Live Review: The Avalanches, DJ Shadow, Briggs

It turns out The Avalanches throw a pretty decent party.

The Northern Broadwalk (still the most criminally underused gig location in the city) was transformed into a dancefloor, blessed with clear skies and mercifully free from rubberneckers, and energised with multiple talented artists. Said artists each had clearly defined ambitions that dovetailed nicely into a multifaceted showcase, with production values as high as the energy they generated.

Briggs, a heavyweight rapper from regional Victoria, has a wry sense of humour that's as central to his success as his verbal dexterity. His campaign for Prime Minister ("2019 - Good Enough For You!") is off to a good start, thanks to a ripping show full of wit, warmth, and a dynamite turn from Total Eclipse (from turntablist freaks, the X-Ecutioners).

DJ Shadow jumped on board, using Vivid as his Sydney slot on his The Mountain Will Fall tour. His spot eclipsed all others in terms of its technical excellence, but that shouldn't surprise anyone familiar with Shadow's formidable skill and precision. The visuals, courtesy of long-term collaborator Ben Stokes, were absolutely incredible, incorporating illustration, film and still photography, and computer-generated graphic design elements. Some, like his music, were lifted straight from recent clips, like Nobody Speak, The Sideshow, and title track The Mountain Will Fall. Shadow dug deep, playing both originals and remixes dating back to Endtroducing... His scratch work hasn't diminished (it would have been nice to see him juggle again), and his humble, unpretentious and open nature continues to be one of his best assets. His willingness to personally connect with the crowd is always great, and he almost invites you to get closer to his projects and methods.

The Avalanches were a bit more straightforward. From the outset, they were just there to party. From a swinging reggae beginning, to club tracks, to their own eccentric brand of pop, the group shone. Frankie Sinatra and Frontier Psychiatrist made appearances, but they were not the loadstones supporting the set. It was all about fun, light, and movement, all of which they delivered.