LIVE REVIEW: Sets on the Beach brings on a whole new flavour

With clear skies, the outstretched blue of the ocean and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere to last the day, Sets on the Beach is a staple event that never fails to deliver the fun. However, this year’s Sets on the Beach departed from its usual house-filled line-up, with two headliners in particular standing out.

While DJs like the seasoned Gilles Peterson, the colourful Go Freek and synth-lord Luke Million sustained a steady flow of dancing, Running Touch broke up the placidity — which was what we all didn’t know we needed at the time. Taking to the stage right before sunset, Running Touch poured himself into the live performance along with his associated band Ocean Grove. Donned in theatre blacks, the nu-metal outfit surprised fans with a more post-modern, abstract take on their music. Kicking off things with ‘Courtesy Of’, Running Touch (true to his name) ran around stage, hyping up audiences with his hit ‘What’s Best for You’. With live vocals and smashing guitar/drums, the band finished off with a brief remixed interlude of ‘Faded’ by ZHU as well as the recent ‘Better Together’.

Well and truly the highlight of the entire day, Client Liaison stepped in to steal the show. You could tell they instantly meant business. Clothed in funky corporate wear and surrounded by a novel set design — think giant water coolers and office plants — the clan was truly an eyeful. Aside from their captivating aesthetic, an Acknowledgement of Country and even a didgeridoo solo, Client Liaison brought a whole lot of feel-good 80’s vibes to those gathered at Port Beach. They brought flavour, and were just the definition of plain fun.

They even threw the audience flowers and chilled beers to keep things refreshing, and it worked. While their most popular tracks such as ‘Off White Limousine’ and ‘Survival in the City’ had the crowd in a spell, their cover of The Preatures’ 'Cruel’ personally had me choked up. There’s simply no arguing that are Client Liaison are bloody performers. Straight off the Richter scale, that’s for sure.

While there is much to say about the sheer goodness of the day’s headlining acts, Luude seemed to fall short with a fragmented electronic set. While excited, he had his time take an anti-climactic turn with untimely transitions and constant commentary between tracks. Fortunately, following act Shiba San took Sets right back to its roots with his groovy house tracks.

Thanks to Client Liaison and the many friends of Sets, it was a truly pleasant time — and I’ll be looking forward to seeing who will feature next year.