The full Progfest may not have made it’s way to Perth this year but we still managed to grab a few key acts from the progressive powers in the form of Norway’s Leprous who return to Australia for another run of shows. With a slew of local and interstate acts joining them on the night, it was a showcase of some technical prowess that dazzled the crowd at Badlands Bar on the first show of the tour.
Perth’s Kripke’s Illusion and Bury The Heard warmed things up first, both bands displaying some varied mixes of progressive rock which included some funk and jazzy moments all within the confines of classic prog rock influences. Kripke’s Illusion in particular drew a rowdy response with their eclectic tastes, melodic vocals and keyboard induced sounds while Bury The Heard kept their instrumentations on the move and on point.
Melbourne’s own Alithia recently toured with Leprous in Europe and so were primed for a run on their home soil in return. A more electronic sounding style of music came from the 6 piece which included a wide array of instruments and sounds, a very percussive and at times atmospheric performance that could be overwhelming here and there but overall provided a visual and sonic feast. The crowd loved the dance rhythms of the music, a swirling of keyboards, percussive sounds, drum beats and twin vocals all melding in a concoction of melodies. Certainly a big way to welcome Leprous who followed next.
The Norwegians made their way to the stage next, 2 years since their last tour to Australia which also happened to be their first time in the country. This time their fanbase had grown considerably looking at the packed crowd, the band taking advantage of an expanding market by returning and looking to put on another stellar performance.
Supporting their latest album “Malina” which was released last year, Leprous made no mistake in capitalizing on a rising success that has seen the band grow to a new level. Tracks from the new effort were abound but the band made sure to include a lot of the songs that made fans appreciate them last time they were here. A video screen backdrop provided a visual aspect that merely added to the show, the main focus still retained on the band themselves. With keyboard drop ins, some dark and atmospheric passages through out and some huge rocking moments joined together with some great proggy moments, Leprous were charged and looking to top their last appearance and most will probably agree that despite there being a lot more mellower moments here, the band accomplished what they set out to achieve.
Given the reception the band got this time around, there’s no doubt they will return. Their music may be a little outside the box so to speak in terms of the progressive aspects, Leprous have huge potential to be hitting the big time if given the chance. There’s enough melody and ear catching rhythms to really break the band out but then there’s also something to be said about the intimacy they bring to shows like this. Who knows but they are definitely a band to watch out for.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Jessica Vaini at JV Photo Film
PROGFEST 2018
Leprous, Voyager, AlithiA, Orsome Welles, Meniscus* & Dyssidia
Saturday, January 20: The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Sunday, January 21: The Triffid, Brisbane
Saturday, January 27: The Corner, Melbourne
Leprous headline shows
with special guests AlithiA
Friday, January 19: Badlands, Perth
Thursday, January 25: Jive, Adelaide
Tickets from wildthingpresents.com
facebook.com/Progfest
