By: Mehek Seyid (@whatthemehek) –
AlunaGeorge. (Photo: Mehek Seyid/Aesthetic Magazine Toronto)
Mondays are usually quite drab, so finding the right pick-me-up makes all the difference to starting the week off on the right note. The handful of concert-goers at last night’s AlunaGeorge’s show chose wisely as the UK export delivered a short but incredibly fun performance at The Hoxton in Toronto that will surely keep spirits high and bodies dancing for the days to come.
AlunaGeorge has been on everyone’s radar since they first burst out onto the scene in 2012 with their EP “You Know You Like It”. Members Aluna Francis and George Reid have built a dedicated but growing following with their brand of electronic-R&B-pop music, aided by a feature on break-out electronic duo Disclosure’s hit “White Noise” and landing as the runner-up on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll. This hype was tangible in the Toronto audience, who received the duo with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement as they laid out their eleven song set, a short but sweet affair built around their hit singles, collaborations, and new sounds off of their debut album “Body Music.”
This is an appropriate title given how easy it is for one to submit themselves to their music. AlunaGeorge’s live show works similarly, as the crowd demonstrated with their endless hip swaying and head nodding to the minimalist, sleek electronic patterns presented by Reid thata drummer and guitarist in the background amplified. Francis led the show confident and cool, delivering tracks such as “Outlines”, “Best Be Believing” and “Attracting Flies” with her sugary, light vocals in a manner identical to what is heard on “Body Music.” “I know you will like this one,” she quietly acknowledged before launching into AlunaGeorge’s 2012 hit “You Know You Like It,” embracing the audience as she shared the microphone with audience members to sing along with her and sink into the inherent cool swag of the track.
Although the first half of the show was enjoyable, “You Know You Like It” became the turning point as Francis and Reid followed it with a string of hits and fan favourites. This included their cover of “This Is How We Do It,” a track where Reid’s production really shines as he drew enough inspiration from the 90s hit to make it a faithful and fun cover without being over saturated with electronic beats. Although Reid remained quiet for majority of the performance, he too could not escape the catchy ways of Montell Jordan as he sung along to the track. As the pair pulled out the aforementionedcollaboration “White Noise” and laid out their hit “Your Drums, Your Love” for the finale, the Toronto crowd pushed forward, demanding more of AlunaGeorge’s perfection. Sadly, the best of what they had to offer ended right there, leaving the crowd satiated, but not completely satisfied.
Along for the ride was Supreme Cuts, an electronic-duo hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Members Mike Perry and AustinKjeultes brought a range of pulsing, ambient rhythms and euphoric dub beats over the course of their opening set, providing a sonically enjoyable soundtrack to the early birds at The Hoxton.
Although there was a minimal amount of interaction with the audience, it was fascinating to watch the pair pour themselves over their equipment with such intensity and concentration, often physically pushing themselves downwards as each beat dropped. Seeing them this absorbed in their performance explained the cloth draped under their laptops, which featured an airbrushed image of Syllvester Stallone’s portrayal of Rambo. With their debut album due out on October 1st, a new single featuring Poliçia’s Channy Leaneagh, and a Maroon 5 remix under their belt, it seems like this duo has a fighting chance to thrive.
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AlunaGeorge
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Supreme Cuts
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