DARK MOFO 2022: 8th-11th June
words & images: Rick Clifford @rcstills
The Return of red. Dark Mofo reigniting the subliminal satanic aura of years past, finally made its grand re-entry to the city of Hobart. Kicking off the first few days of the event with a softer start than previous years & colder too!
Baxter Dury @ Odeon Theatre 10th of June
Review
“Slipping in-between the cushions of a dimly lit whiskey bar and trance stage at some European festival..”
Straight out the gate, UK crooner Baxter Dury set the tone for the eccentricities aware. Grappling with the undercurrent of obscure Baxter swaggered his way on stage, somewhere between playful and inebriated. Taking a minute to settle into his skin, the extent and drive of his performance truly shone when performing to the pulsating rhythm of ‘I’m Not Your Dog’. Moving around stage and barking the minimal lines in contrast to the 2020 release.
No doubt enjoying his time on stage, Mr Dury missed queues and fumbled lines at times, perhaps lost in his own world, the malaise of drug fuelled imagery within each track.
Baxter Dury
The set spanning the majority of his discography, Baxter has been in and around the scene for the better part of 20 years as a solo artist aside from his sordid and questionable upbringing.
Baxter Dury
The mix of demographics is very notable as I glance around the newly renovated Odeon Theatre interior. This contrast very reminiscent of the how expansive and genre ambiguous Baxter’s sound is and has evolved. Slipping in-between the cushions of a dimly lit whiskey bar and trance stage at some European festival.
Baxter Dury
Promptly removing himself from the stage for the allocated time between “last song” and encore, reemerging in technicolored singlet and pant combo, to a complete change of vibe with ‘Cocaine Man’ in which he jumped into the first verse a bar early and ordered a restart, in part egging the audience on to "Turn Up”. Which to his credit did happen. Having been the first time witnessing Baxter live, I was open for anything to occur, not having researched what to expect and instead going in clean slated. Overall the performance seemed lazy at times, but this I felt to be expected for the style of music on offer.
Baxter Dury
The overall weather plays a huge part in ones enjoyment of an environment, as standard, colder times than usual, meant that when walking between installation to installation, if not appropriately attired you’d be somewhat deterred. The distance between some artworks seeming longer and more trying at times but ultimately worth it when considering all on offer.
With the bulk of festivities kicking off in the second week, the noticeable lack of punters made for easy access to all available locations. Within this I couldn’t help but feel the need to stay another week, time permitting.
Though the weather frightful at times, the keen people braving the cold all seeming in good spirits at the return of the winter festivals return.
The Kid Laroi @ My Bank Arena 11th of June
Review
“..a certain level of charisma otherwise reserved for veterans of the scene..”
Stepping onto an Tasmanian stage for the first time in his home country, The Kid Laroi’s shot to stardom has been quick.
The Kid Laroi
Costume
Playing the stage previously reserved for artist like Red Hot Chili Peppers and sporting events, the 19 year old hit maker packed out the venue with ease. Not only with his first show in Hobart, his first headline tour ever in Australia.
The Kid Laroi
A very interesting mainstream inclusions in an otherwise very diverse palette of musical entertainment. The Dark Mofo branding, whilst present at the MyState Bank Arena, was definitely taking a backseat it seemed, once inside the venue.
The Kids presence on stage was meant with all the expected sensationalism you’d expect from the predominately young social media laced crowd. Phones ablaze with anticipation of solidifying the moment he walked out onto the stage.
Rolling off the back of a cancelled series of Melbourne arena shows, the energy and intensity was palatable.
The Kid Laroi
As the set continued the noticeable levels of jumping and screaming into the mic dropped. All things considered the artist rapid rise to fame, whilst seamless, has garnished him a certain level of charisma otherwise reserved for veterans of the scene and with that a deserving nod of approval for services rendered.
