As last Sunday afternoon came to a close, for many students the weekend was only just starting. Rarely would so many people make the trip to the Downtown Mall on a Sunday night just to see a concert, but with Flume in town it seemed necessary.
Dusk turned to night as people settled in at the Sprint Pavilion and the opening act, a DJ named Tokimonsta, started off the show. With ambient synths and trance-like rhythms, backed up by droning yet comforting female vocals, the first course went down smooth.
After being serenaded by such an impressive opening act, the crowd chilled, buzzed and waited anxiously for Flume.
Eventually he arrived. The setup was much different when Flume took the stage, especially compared to previous Flume shows. There was an immaculate art show behind him with fleeting, psychedelic visuals flying all around the platform.
It was pleasing to see the impressive setup of an artist who started so humbly and has recently shot to international attention. His music explains why.
In accordance with the album “Skin,” which the tour is promoting, the Australian producer began his set with the track “Helix.” The perfect opening to a show, it was a predictable but powerful moment. Once spacey electronics fizzled and the bass dropped on this jam of a song, the crowd followed. Bumping, head nodding and even backflips occurred all night.
Settled in, Flume played his hit song “Sleepless” early in the set. The contained exuberance of the track matched the venue’s energy perfectly and the crowd raged, but still vibed with it. In fact, stress-free vibing was the theme of the night. The colorful, non-abrasive visuals that came along with the set only further enhanced this mood.
Around half past 10, Flume thanked the crowd, and everything seemed to be wrapping up. As he left the stage, the crowd erupted into chants of “One more song!” He returned and performed the Beck feature “Tiny Cities” to conclude the night.
It may have been Flume’s first time in Charlottesville, but the immense comfort and power of the show makes it seem inevitable that he will be back again. His local fan base can only hope so.
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