Review: ORBITAL + SEVERED HEADS – ADELAIDE FRINGE 2019 at Maths Lawn, University Of Adelaide

Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Sunday 3rd March 2019.

Presented by the RCC, Australia's Severed Heads were the opening act for Orbital, on a typical warm summer night at the Adelaide Fringe. Both groups are under the electronica/dance/trance genre, so this was a good pairing. With graphics varying from flowers and dancing forks, to a rather useful chart for demon summoning, and lyrics that are definitely from the poetical side of things, Severed Heads are more of an interesting intellectual art challenge, rather than a simple dance party beat. Tom Ellard, the only remaining member of the original band, has maintained a strong vision, which is to be admired, even if that vision can be at times esoteric. An interesting mix of old and older tunes, with a few alterations, was played, covering the band's active life spanning the best part of four decades.

Orbital, however, were the scene-stealers of the night, holding their audience absolutely spellbound from the very first opening tones and lights, well before they had even stepped onto the stage. The high energy Hartnoll brothers, Paul and Phil, from the UK appeared to float high in the centre of the stage, trademark eye lights on, surrounded by their instruments and spotlights. With consummate professionalism, Orbital had no need to woo the audience, we were willingly theirs.

Laser lights, immaculate graphics, rotating spots, irresistible dance beats, clever, current, political messages, combined with effervescent personalities, made this a show to remember. The entirety of the show gave us glimpses into the UK rave scene, adding to the depths of understanding of an exciting culture.