Flume: Fri, February 1 @ Oh Hello!, Brisbane

Words by Scenewave Oz - Published on February 6, 2013

His youthful appearance may catch some off guard, but do not be fooled, as the packed house at Oh Hello! found out, Flume has all areas of his game in top form. Backing up from Laneway earlier in the day, Harley Streten a.k.a. Flume– one of the most hyped names in the Australian music industry– graced the stage with close to a two-hour set.

Excitement would be an understatement; people were standing upon anything that would give them a better view, bearded men cuddled close to keep balance atop barstools and young women, brimming with anticipation, huddled for hours in front of crowd barriers erected for one night only.

With fifty people either side of him and multitudes more in front, the mix of enthusiastic festival goers (somehow filling the two and a half hour gap between Laneway and 12:30am to get their second dose of Flume for the day) and the regular contingent of fun loving Friday nighters, were treated from start to finish.

“Left Alone” featuring Chet Faker (who was spotted in attendance) set the mood for the evening and sounded superb, extra appreciation surely was found for many who heard the tune through a full range system for the first time.

A few songs in and all seemed to be losing their minds, yet they were not raving, nor were they chilling, at risk of sounding cheesy, they can only be described as ‘Fluming’. Like a weird lovechild of dub step and indie, Flume’s music gets everyone dancing while also chilling them out.

Highlights included tunes such as, “On Top”, a heavier number that got people moving in the rare sparser areas of the club and saw limb-wiggles and knee bends from those perched in more precarious locations.

Coming in at number four and twelve respectively in triple J’s hottest 100, “Holdin’ On” and “Sleepless”, were undoubtedly crowd favourites and characteristic of Flume’s ever-so-recent, yet, ever-so-signature sound.

Proving he’s more than a talented producer, his set also featured many sounds and samples not heard on his self-titled debut record, the inclusion of Biggie Smalls’ “Juicy” a cappella was particularly well recieved.

At the conclusion of the gig, so large was the support and adoration for the young artist, and so blocked were every possible exit route, he simply sat down behind the decks and had a well-earned beer and cigarette.

If you haven’t seen him yet, it’s strongly encouraged and you can catch him around the country at the Groovin The Moo festivals throughout April and May.