Ever dreamt of hosting a dance party, where everyone's invited, and the Dj's play all your favorite songs??? Now add the Sydney Symphony and an electrifying light show to the mix and what you have is the most joyous celebration of dance music you could ever ask for. Synthony is a breathtaking fusion of music, live orchestra, DJs, Vocalists, and immersive visuals. Back for its third time around, the lineup did not disappoint, featuring Natalie Bassingwaighte (Rogue Traders), Thandi Pheonix, Cassie Mcivor, Greg Gould, Matty O, Mobin Master, and the chief of ceremonies himself Ilan Kidron of the Potbelleez.
Kicking off the party were husband-and-wife team Super Disco Club. Commanding the decks is Andy Van (one of the founding members of 2000's Aussie musical stardom Madison Avenue) and hype Mistress Cassie Van, who I have to say is the sexiest human disco ball I've ever seen. Dressed from Head-dress to toe in reflective mirrors, an outfit that would have been envied by Roisin Murphy herself. The team Played an array of house and disco tunes from the 90's and 2000's (Stardust, Kylie, Michael Grey, Bob Sinclar, Armand Van Helden, Alex Gaudino) that both paid homage and showcased their personal love of dance music. I personally felt like they had stolen my Spotify account, which was great cause I was in my element. Adding to the kitsch and retro vibe of their act were some amazing visuals put together by Cassie taking exerts from some of the great "dance" films and shows of the 70's and 80's. Super Club did a brilliant job getting the crowd geared up for the main act, they were more than just a support act they were a valuable element to the all over experience.
However, nothing could prepare me for the wave of sound that was about to wipeout myself and the rest of the bobbing bodies, from the very moment the orchestra took to the stage to the standing ovation at the end, the music that I had known and loved was never going to sound the same again. The Set opened with Bob Sinclair's Love Generation and from here we saw songs new, old and reimagined. I loved that sang tracks like Moloko's Sing it back and Rudemental's Feel the Love were interwoven with instrumental favs like Eric Prydz "Pjanoo and even Australian's own Flume got a nod. Stand out performer for me was Cassie McIvor who performed both Calvin Harris/ Florence and the machines Spectrum and Delirium's Silence (Original vocals done by the amazing Sarah McLachlan) with such gusto, her incredible vocals soared just as high as the strings that accompanied her. Her performance had much depth and emotion and considering her predecessors she was more than capable of making the performances her own. Also an entertaining and a delight to watch were, Thandi Phoenix as she strutted, shimmied and twirled about the stage, her version of Shapeshifter's Lola's theme becoming an anthem in its own right. Matty O's sax was haunting especially on Guru Josh's Infinity had my arm hairs standing on end as it lecherously crooned through the nights air.
The Potbelleez Lead vocalist Iian Kidron treated the audience to performances of two of the band's biggest hits From the Music and Don't hold back, I was delighted that he armed himself with an acoustic guitar and played that thumping guitar riff that is the distinctive sound of that track himself. Natalie Bass stormed the stage with attitude and big personality, I was a little disappointed however that she was only given two song spots in the entirety of Synthony, however the place went off when Voodoo Child was played showing that that she is still a fireball no matter how small the flame is.
The orchestrated music was conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, a bad arse with a baton who takes directing to an art form. Her movements and the musical response from the musicians had everybody hypnotized. We can't wrap this review up without mentioning the incredibly talented members of the Sydney Orchestra cause without them there would be no praise at all (I wish I knew everyone's name as I would have printed them) they all played with such professionalism and passion, thanks to the screens on stage , we were also projected close ups of the magicians faces and saw smiles casted on their faces just as large as those under their musical spell.
Synthony is a musical journey that will have you revisiting 30 years (how has it been that long) of dance hits that I'm sure make up the playlists of our lives. Overall, Synthony 3 was a wonderful experience and is a must for anyone who loves dance music. The combination of orchestra, performers and Dj's make up for a unique experience that had me clapping, stomping, and singing along to every single tune. At one point I stopped to look around and was amazed to see that everyone around me was also having the time of their lives... smiles were wide, and hands were high in the air. Dancing releases endorphins and house music releases dopamine, so Sythony is a doubly euphoric experience.
