For the debut performance at the East Perth Power Station, Perth Festival set a high benchmark for this venue with their first night showcasing Aboriginal excellence. Electric Fields brought all the energy you’d expect from an act that represented Australia on the world stage at Eurovision.
A solid support act set the night on the right track with local songwriter Boox Kid. This opening act had an array of influences, from folk to R&B, with vocals that cut through the air as the wind danced around them. Boox Kid’s set included songs in language, which bring me so much joy to hear. A gig that expands my Noongar vocabulary is a good gig.
Boox Kid. Photography JWyld.
From the moment Electric Fields hit the stage, Zaachariaha Fielding brought an effortlessness to their performance, belting out bangers as easily as their quips between songs. Their beautiful disregard for facades and banter between songs made it feel like we were all at an intimate house party.
With a humble sidekick in Michael Ross providing the beats, the duo make for a perfect match on stage. The big, whirling costumery worn by Zaachariaha kicked up gusts of delight as they moved, while the other half of the duo bopped along groovily as he expertly twisted the knobs and pushed the buttons that made the brain go brrr as the waves transmitted via my ear holes.
Listening to these classic Aussie electronica songs that have been living rent-free in my head hits differently live. It’s not until you hear these songs on stage that you truly experience the depths of Zaachariaha’s voice and get the feeling that you’re listening to one of the greatest voices of our generation. Some might think that’s an overstatement, but I feel like we’re just reluctant to pedestal a voice that belongs to such lively pop tracks.
East Perth Power Station.
Partway through the set, the crowd (and Electric Fields) were treated to a surprise as an Australian legend was spotted in the front row. The Faboriginal Steven Oliver was invited to the stage and proved that he’s still got it as he danced along to the song Pukulpa. It translates to “happiness” in their Western Desert language, Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara. So that makes my vocabulary for two Aboriginal languages expanded after this gig.
Electric Fields delivered a vibrant show from start to finish that cemented their status as an elite Aussie electronica act. I’ll be looking forward to seeing their show every time they come to town.