BE SEDUCED BY THEIR HYPNOTIC BEATS
Story & photos by Kate Kilgour
With the rapid advances of technology that are going down right now, I imagine that one day we’ll be able to stream music right through our brains at merely a thought. When this happens, I’m convinced I’ll be in an eternally seduced state, because the soundtrack to my visions will be by Austra.
Over a pulsating, mysterious backing, lead vocalist Katie Stelmanis is breathtakingly poignant, and in my opinion, on the brink of being a worldwide sensation; Austra’s set at Wrongbar for CMW was nothing short of stunning. The beats. The pulses. The “Beat and the Pulse”. The addition of twin songstresses (Romy and Sari Lightman) flanking Stelmanis was a welcome element considering technical difficulties nixed her keyboard. Maya Postepski, known also for her work with Trust, held it down on percussion, thrusting the audience around like uncontrollable puppets, slaves to the music. Bassist Dorian Wolfe and a primary keyboardist rounded out this eerily impressive ensemble of synth-heavy, gyrating electro virtuosos.
The performances by Austra only continue to impress, with tracks that are hypnotic and a sound that absolutely cannot be ignored. Like an alluring, celestial beacon, Stelamnis’ platinum locks and angelic vocals take the audience to a transformative point. Whether your body is thrusting in a club or waiting for the streetcar in the pouring rain, you’ll agree that the soundtrack to your most distinct moments should be spearheaded by the gritty, seductive tunes of theseToronto-based newcomers.
