Live Review: Young Muscle Launch Party

Young Muscle chose the perfect venue for their launch party. The Adelaide-based artist collective kicked off their first gig at the Tenth & Gibson Warehouse, a studio space used for artistic projects but rarely as a music venue. With their boxing gloves logo spray-painted on the wall, Young Muscle marked it as theirs for the night.

Aiming to gain exposure for the five acts currently on their roster, the collective were also determined to have a good time

Aiming to gain exposure for the five acts currently on their roster, the collective were also determined to have a good time. Inside it was cold and the smell of fresh paint lingered in the air. The young and eclectic crowd relaxed around tables made from wooden pallets, helping themselves to jars of pretzels or chilling at the makeshift bar. Holy Models and Ferris provided smooth and funky beats between acts, successfully filling the dance floor.

Skies were first to take the stage with their dreamy synth pop. It’s difficult to believe this was only their second gig as they played with confidence and ease. Singer and guitarist Dusty Lee used a loop pedal to layer bold rhythms as his soulful vocals echoed through the warehouse. The earthy drumming and emotive synths created a lush sound. With an EP on the way, Skies are definitely ones to watch.

Flamingo is a fine example of the electronic music scene in Australia at the moment. Their tropical-drenched sound combined pulsing beats, sparse vocals and shimmering synths. The trio moved on stage in jittery motions and changed swiftly between instruments. Unfortunately there was a lack of communication between the stage and engineer, resulting in some sound level issues. But the trio powered through, ending with furious drumming and a kaleidoscope of beats.

True to their word they went crazy, losing themselves in a haze of screeching guitars and white smoke.

“I hope you like guitar music because that’s all that’s gonna happen tonight,” announced Archers’ frontman. True to their word they went crazy, losing themselves in a haze of screeching guitars and white smoke. The change from synths to psychedelic post-rock was sudden, but somehow it worked. The five-piece delivered an aggressive and energy-fuelled set, also sneaking in a cover of The Police’s Walking On The Moon, which got everyone moving. A few people tried to surf over the small crowd but ended up on the cement floor.

There are a lot of exciting things happening in Adelaide’s music scene and Young Muscle is a wicked addition. Every act on their roster holds vast potential and if their launch party is anything to go by, expect bigger and better things from them in the future.