The At First Sight festival is back on the Carriageworks map this year, with Donny Benet leading the program as he performs a tribute to another disco master in Nile Rodgers. However, there’s plenty for everyone to love at this festival of emerging acts, and here’s our tips for the artists set to shine.
1. Nicholas Allbrook
The Pond frontman has gone solo, bringing with him a set that will command attention while mystifying and hypnotising audiences in the best way possible. At First Sight will be one of the first chances to catch Allbrook perform his new EP Walrus live, along with its first single ‘Blanket 3072’. After wowing crowds with his stripped-back sound on his recent string of dates supporting The Laurels, Allbrook is one to put on your to-do list for At First Sight 2015.
2. Oscar Key Sung
Melbourne producer Oscar Key Sung sounds good under headphones, but the best way to appreciate this multi-talented instrumentalist is undoubtedly in the flesh. Half of the Melbourne duo Oscar + Martin, Key Sung has had wide appraisal for his latest release, Altruism, combining experimental sounds with the soothing effect of his own voice. All of this makes for interesting listening, especially in a live sense.
3. Palms
Perhaps being swooned to sleep by the sounds of Oscar Key Sung isn’t your thing? You’d rather get sweatier than an obese tourist in the tropics while elbowing your mates in the ribs? Palms are for you. Think Surfer Blood meets Bad//Dreems meets Royal Headache. Mainstays on the Sydney touring circuit, Palms have proven their high-energy brand of loud and fun racket-rock many a time before, but are worth checking out at the festival, even if it is just to burn a few calories and put a smile on your face.
4. My Disco
You know those moments you have while watching a band that kind of end up feeling like an out-of-body experience? My Disco specialise in that kind of freaky shit – in a good way. A band that thrives on the sounds of tribal drumming and wailing vocals, My Disco’s minimal yet powerful presence is not to be missed.
5. Blank Realm
These guys are fresh off the boat from a massive European tour, having released their latest record Illegals In Heaven to acclaim both nationally and internationally. Blank Realm are by no means newcomers to the indie music scene, having worked their arses off touring and recording for years, and pleasing audiences with their compulsive brand of lo-fi rock. This might just be the last time Sydneysiders will get to see Blank Realm play a smaller-scale, more intimate show before they hit up the Laneway 2016 stage.
At First Sight will be held on Saturday November 14 at Carriageworks. For tickets and more info visit the Carriageworks website.
