Triosk
The Factory, Sydney

In some ways Triosk are an odd choice of support for Montreal’s finest turntablist, Kid Koala. While both artists are rhythmic virtuosos, Triosk hover at the opposite end of the mood scale to Kid Koala’s party-starting witticisms. But they hold an appreciative, swelling crowd tonight at Sydney’s newest venue in Marrickville: it’s a cavernous space, and the band does its best to make the most of the dimensions.

Apparently, extra subwoofers were brought in by forklift just ninety minutes before tonight’s show, and whether by direct consequence or not, bass frequencies dominate Triosk’s set. The low end is particularly robust as they preview some new material: Ben Waples strikes out single, thundering notes with a harsh edge, while at the margins of the mix Lawrence Pike’s distinctive percussion skitters and clicks.

They play ‘Headlights’, from this year’s excellent The Headlight Serenade, and there’s a viscosity to it that you wouldn’t expect from listening to the record. Adrian Klumpes’ synth tones are like fog, thick and misty, and his more intricate keyboard work is absent. Triosk have the musical confidence to adapt their sound to many contexts, and while tonight’s set-up is not ideal, in substituting power for precision they still come out ahead.

by Emmy Hennings