As a performer there is one real goal, and that is to leave an audience captivated. Leave them in awe, transfixed, and marvelling at your artistry. It’s easier said than done, and it takes a certain polish to pull it off, but on this winter’s Saturday night, two acts managed to do just that to a sold out Sydney crowd at The Metro Theatre. 

On support duties was rising star Forest Claudette. If you aren’t across them yet, then it’s ok, we will forgive you… for now. But it’s really about time you discover them as their Frank Ocean esq soundscape and swagger-fuelled performance is beginning to win over an army of fans. Following multiple highly praised BIGSOUND showcases last year, and a coveted support slot opening for Ruel earlier this year, Forest is one of the most tipped newcomers. Opening their set with “Gone Without A Trace”, they used their 30 minute duration to dive straight into a pool of strong material from their first two EP’s “The Year Of February” and “Everything Was Green”. Effortlessly gliding across the stage and hitting smooth falsettos, Forest delivered tracks like “Creaming Soda”, “Hologram”, “Mess Around”, “Violence”, “Two Years”, and fittingly closed out the set with “Goodbye”. They already had multiple fans near the front screaming along to the lyrics and giving them an energy which felt as warm as their aura on the stage. It’s safe to say that Forest Claudette is an actual superstar in orbit. 

With the venue at full capacity, the lights dimmed for Lastlings to finally hit the stage. The mesmerising duo are on the road to celebrate the release of their sophomore record “Perfect World” which was only released two weeks ago. It could be understandable if the audience weren’t totally across the new record yet as it’s still so fresh. The crowd wasn’t as engaging as I imagined and were quite stiff in the dance-move department, but they were genuinely in awe of the band and seemed to be soaking up every moment of the show. They stood there and took in all the music, vibes and energy the band were giving.

Playing the new record in its entirety, they really wanted to highlight the bold identity of this album, and give it the full live perspective it deserves. Opening with “Get What You Want” they immediately began with a pulsating rush of electronic pop with songs like “Holding Me Like Water”, “Gravity”, “Better Off Without You”, “Out Of My Head” and title track “Perfect World” following in pursuit. As well as the new material, they wanted to sprinkle a few older fan favourites and decided to give the audience “No Time”, “Deja Vu”, and “False Reactions”. 

They’ve clearly stepped up there game with their production and have built a multi-levelled set surrounded by lights which gave the staging some really interesting depth, and felt quite grand. It reminded me of some of the earlier Rufus Du Sol tours, and while their crowds were quite different in their behaviour, the same in-awe reaction was there.