PVT (previously Pivot)
performed to a room of hot and sweaty fans, eager to witness the band
play their latest album, Church With No Magic, for the first
time in Sydney. With a new approach to match their new name, PVT's
latest leaves a lot more room for Richard Pike's crooning vocals, an
addition that would provide a new live experience for fans.
Unfortunately, I missed their first support, Ghouls, but made it in
time to see Seekae.

Seekae are a trio gifted with the
ability to create powerful ambient music. Despite a reliance on
macbooks and gadgets (and just one drumset) to create their
electronic, droney sounds, the band had the audience swaying in
amazement, struck by the melodic sequences. With an experimental
vibe, Seekae carried a set which was everchanging from beginning to
end – at times a quiet, moody, beat which would then break into a
series of bleeps and percussion. Their music resonated into a hazy,
enchanting atmosphere which was an impeccable introduction to PVT's
set.

Following the international success of
O Soundtrack My Heart
, PVT
were under immense stress to impress their fans once more, and
Church
With No Magic
did just that. The
crowd was hungry to hear more of Richard Pike's vocals, and had
familiarised themselves with the material enough to enjoy the
sweeping electronica and haunting echoes. “Light Up Bright Fires”
was executed with such brooding perfection, strengthening their grips
on a mesmerised audience. 

It was evident to all who were there that
PVT's additional vocals had sent the music reeling with a power it
didn't previously possess and their instrumental tracks, such as
“Didn't I Furious”, failed to stand out in comparison.
Regardless, PVT played with the intensity of a band that is proud of
their own creation, each member thrashing about with their
instruments - a really engaging stage performance. The band also
played several tracks from
O Soundtrack My Heart
,
fuelling the captivation of their audience, and leaving us all grinning with the satisfaction that we'd just experienced such a brilliant show.