Live Review: The Drones, Harmony

Opening the night were fellow Melbourne act Harmony, who pushed through pedalboard difficulties to perform a blues soaked set, complete with a three-piece choir. The three vocalists added a gothic, choral tone to the music, which resulted in some truly beautiful moments.

On the first night of their tour in support of their seventh studio album Feelin Kinda Free, fans witnessed the full breadth of The Drones' back catalogue alongside a heap of album cuts, culminating into a powerful experience.

With little fuss, The Drones took to the stage, launching into album opener Private Execution. The album featured a slightly more electronic sound in contrast to their previous efforts, but any fears about how the songs would translate live were instantly cleared up.

The new material had all the trademarks the band is known for- powerful epic soundscapes that transcend them way beyond their early garage rock days. Yet, contrasted against their older work, these songs were clearly refreshing for both the band and the audience.

The politically charged Taman Shud, fuelled by Gareth Liddiard’s manic stage presence stood out as a highlight but it was the slower songs that put the audience in a spell. Joined by Harmony’s three backup singers, To Think That I Once Loved You showcased an incredibly poignant side to Liddiard’s songwriting. Older cuts like I See Seaweed were complete masterclasses in utilising dynamics to make the songs sound so monstrously huge, you'd be forgiven into thinking you had stumbled into a Godspeed You! Black Emperor show.

Ultimately, the night showed that The Drones are still as innovative and fierce as ever. If it stays that way, they can go in any artistic direction they damn well please.