Metronomy
Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne
Saturday 17th January

Curses for Metronomy playing the worst ventilated room in the state. Organisers at Revolver might want to ponder why they have a bunch of giant fans and air conditioners hanging round the room if all they're going to do is sit there rusting with the rest of us. And if it's more drinks you're after, see how everyone left? Turn those fuckers on. Really.  

Fortunately for those with circulatory systems, Metronomy weren't here to take up too much of your time. With a main set consisting of the UK three piece being on stage for exactly 30 minutes, followed by a one song encore, it makes you wonder if: 

a) bands can really be bothered coming all this way to set up for half an hour 
b) $1 a minute is worth it
c) they share management with Santogold 

While they were with us the band was great. Three keyboards lined up across the stage pinned down the three pasty pals from Devon, who between them sported a melodica, saxaphone, guitar and a bass. The trio consistently pulled shapes, weaved hands-in-the-air worthy minimal but melodious dance over a simple backing beat, punched lights hanging on their chest that glowed on and off and generally sent the packed room into a moist tizz. 

Perhaps this, the last show of their Australian tour, hinted that their schtick and/or schedule had taken its toll. There's certainly an abundance of high-energy theatre about the band but lead singer and Metronomy mastermind Joseph Mount did seem a little bushed. Perhaps it was the heat. Or perhaps it just didn't matter, with the steaming tweens raising the roof at the slightest sign of a melody, clap or glowstick headed their way. Sugarry hits 'Heartbreaker', 'A Thing for Me' and 'Radio Ladio' were the band's home runs, the latter inspiring the biggest singalong of the night. 

An impressively fun show that, when they come back, will see them playing venues far bigger. Good.