Offkilter But On The Radar
New Zealanders So So Modern manage to straddle genres defiantly, pulling in a large crowd as they span experimental electro, dance music and thrashing electro-core in during their set on the Main Stage. The band begin with a confident dose of experimental synth trickery with glassy guitar tones and buzzing synths creating an alien soundscape before some solid beats kick in and the pace kicks up. There's a mix of instrumental tunes and those with frantic vocals which match the band's onstage crazed flailing; the synth player almost seems to be plugged into his instrument as he lunges wildly at it on every beat. At some points the heavy beats are a little punishing, but at others the sound is far more akin to dance music. Sparkling synth arpeggios add excitement to the set while lucid tones and hypnotic sounds keep even a rain-soaked crowd glued with some flashes of funky lighting jazz up the band's focused performance. It's an interesting and enjoyable festival performance with the crowd thoroughly entertained.