Reviewed on Tuesday February 3
“I’m very honoured to be a vessel in this conversation that’s been happening for a very long time.” This particular musing came from Steven Ellison, better known within the musical realm under the moniker of Flying Lotus, while staring out at the confines of the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall for the second time within a year. Ellison dressed up for the occasion, donning a traditional tuxedo, although it was offset by the glow-in-the-dark mask that appeared to replicate a human skull with tassels dangling from it. Perhaps this attire summed up the evening better than words could: sharp and stylish, yet with an edge of impending doom and a touch of horror.
A pause followed Ellison’s ascension to his mixing desk, before he loudly announced, “Alright, fuck it. You’re dead.” So began one of the more intense performances one is likely to see in the history of this venue – an often blunt assault on the senses that was both intimidating and arresting. The music of Flying Lotus has been known to incorporate a love of experimental music, proto-jazz and futuristic hip hop. This clash of styles was also evident within the visual trickery and jaw-dropping imagery that plays such a huge part in the FlyLo live set. The stage set-up was unique in that there was a projection screen both behind and in front of Ellison’s work area, allowing for contrasting visuals to blend in brilliantly radiant style. It was at times difficult to take both the audio and the visuals in at the same time, but it truly felt as though one could not exist without the other.
Disappointingly, the show petered out rather than exploded in a blaze of glory – upon realising his time was nearly up, Ellison hurriedly ran through some of his Captain Murphy material, awkwardly rapping over the top of his beats after both unmasking and taking off his jacket, as well as putting together a seemingly slap-dash finale upon returning to his booth. The moment was saved, however, when FlyLo handed the reigns over to his warm-up DJ. In front of both his hero and a room full of people, the DJ proposed to his girlfriend. The crowd, naturally, went wild. It was a contrast from the gritty, harsh display of electronica we’d just witnessed, sure, but it just goes to show that the unexpected is always to be expected at a Flying Lotus show. Ain’t love grand.
