Reviewed onThursday January 21
Despite the rain that swept across Sydney on Thursday afternoon, the Oxford Art Factory audience was ready for a good time. This much was clear during Oscar Key Sung’s set; the rain hadn’t really dampened the spirit of those in the crowd, although their hair might have been frizzier than initially desired, and make-up further down their cheeks than expected.
A big part of a Le1f show is his crowd – I’d seen him at Arq, and I missed his set during Mardi Gras 2013 at the Oxford Hotel, but envied the people coming in and out of the at-capacity room there. His following is fabulous, immaculately dressed, and up for the party. Indeed, Le1f is usually part of his own crowd: we spotted him amongst the throngs of people during Baby Face Thrilla’s DJ set. His audience is his people, and he was here to have a good time with new friends.
Perhaps surprisingly (I was anticipating it would come last), he started his set with ‘Koi’, the first single off his latest album, Riot Boi. By his third number, ‘Boom’, the audience was as enthusiastic as him, though with less room to dance.
And Le1f’s shows are as much about the dancing as they are the music. He moved through his set, voguing around the stage, capturing the audience members as they danced along. After a few solo songs, some backup dancers joined him, providing some excellent coordinated moves for ‘Wut’ and the remainder of the show.
The setlist itself was a mix of songs from Riot Boi and old hits, including ‘Spa Day’. It was a marvel to watch, and dance along to. Finishing ten minutes early, and with no encore, was a little disappointing, but Le1f probably just wanted to come out and join the party again.
