Reviewed onFriday December 2 (photo by Benjamin Potter)
Majestic Casual has had a massive couple of years. Going from a YouTube channel with obscure remixes and original music from artists that were almost unheard of at the time to selling out events all around the world is a highly respectable feat. While also considering that the label has been responsible for the establishment and longevity of those who have been lucky enough to be featured, it’s great to see a showcase of artists proudly representing the brand as a force to reckoned with – one that is almost single-handedly responsible for the rise of new genres like future soul.
But while Max Watt’s was probably not everyone’s ultimate choice for a venue, boy did MLIVE deliver. Thanks to remix wizard Cabu, the audience shuffled in to the sounds of familiar tracks. The beautiful Buoy took to the stage next with a keyboard in front of her and an incredible voice to match, and the crowd was instantly enchanted at the way in which she encouraged involvement. But although Buoy showed class and resilience against some rowdy dancers, the end of her set dwindled as many began to become restless. Still, she retained composure, and was able to walk off with her head held high after closing with a shimmering soul trap banger.
Sydney’s favourite brothers Cosmo’s Midnight walked on to the adoration of screaming fans, and immediately launched into a crowd favourite – ‘Say My Name’, a Destiny’s Child remix that was pitched and sped up just enough to get bodies moving non-stop. Through intricate production and a sound palette that borrowed from the likes of Wave Racer and Flume, the siblings seemed heavily surprised at the amount of people who had come just for them.
French Kiwi Juice, or FKJ, is almost enigmatic. It wasn’t long ago that this producer/musical god remained anonymous until posting videos of his production methods and instrumental skills online. What his adoring Sydney fans witnessed was nothing short of incredible – switching between a saxophone, a Rhodes piano, an electric guitar, bass, and even singing at one point, the dreadlocked Frenchman had the crowd totally in awe. Some even gazed with their mouth completely open at the level of musicianship FKJ displayed, and after introducing June Marieezy for a guest vocal spot, he launched into Majestic Casual playlist favourite ‘Lying Together’, a soul and funk fusion that may never get old. As he closed out his set, FKJ furiously began to play the piano, improvising and weaving his way through melodies that made it look as if he wasn’t even trying.
It would be hard to imagine what was going through Kilter‘s mind as he watched FKJ absolutely slay his performance. Nevertheless, he attempted to show the audience what he was made of with an electric drum kit and bass guitar in his repertoire. Some of the attendees began to filter out, but they mostly stayed to dance the night away and encourage Kilter to initiate a call and response that came off a little bit as overkill, at least in comparison to his predecessor’s triumphs. It was hard not to feel sorry for Kilter, but at least he gave it a shot.
