What can I say it’s Friday night, Billboards is SOLD OUT and the place is pumping, it can only mean one thing, the boys are back, PNAU is in town and set to play….

The Sydney duo headed out on the road in support of their latest self-titled album. They sold out their Sydney, Melbourne and Perth shows. The tour marks a return to the live scene for PNAU, who have only played a string of festival and one off shows in the past few years. 
It can be said that Pnau definitely know how to put on a killer show. I was expecting an enjoyable night but golly-gosh did the reality far exceed my expectation. I still have to ask myself, “did Friday night really happen?”. What a wild ride of awesome pop tunes, electrifying visuals, dancing fruit, birds (yes really… I did not imagine it), giant balloons falling from the sky, dancing on stage and meeting PNAU boys back stage.

Supporting Pnau was the very funky Van She, who I believe will be headlining  their own acts in the near future. These guys ruled the stage and their sound and energy. The electro rock emanating from the stage was catchy and refined.   Definitely worth praise. Keep your eyes and ears tuned in, I am expect big things from Van She.

On a lesser note Breakbot played in the interim, however I’m not sure anyone noticed. Playing rough deep electro, his set became unpleasantly repetitive and also slightly boring. I hate to say but he could have at least stood behind some decks and pretended instead of looking like a statue behind his laptop tucked away in a corner.

And finally it came – blasting onto the stage with Wild Strawberries (literally). Surrounded by two pieces of dancing fruit, birds and a back screen displaying the lyrics to the song, Pnau began their set on a high, positive note, which was clearly well received with the crowd responding extremely well to every track they played from their third self titled CD, “Baby”, “Wild Strawberries” and “Embrace” all being highlights. I am still humming the tunes! 

The tone of the whole night was one of energy and electrifying sounds and sites. At any stage where the audience may have begun to lose interest, something else captivating would occur. Multi-coloured giant balloons fell from the sky at one point and a female vocalist made a surprise appearance. The atmosphere was extreme enthusiasm and anticipation, which was re-enforced by Pnau’s energy creating a fresh, vibrant experience. It was hard not to have a giant smile on your face all night. 

Finishing with an encore of the opening track on their new album With You Forever and inviting some of us onstage. Naturally, the crowd lapped it up and a few of us got our chance of 5 minutes of fame.

Tags: Pnau