Flight Facilities at Somerset House

With only one studio album, which was released in 2014, it is a surprise that Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities are touring again. However, since their second LP was recorded live, it can be said that they are a predominantly live act. The duo have collaborated with some of the biggest name in the music industry and, tonight, they hit the stage of Somerset House with special guests Graace and Ric Rufio.

As if the cheers aren’t indication enough of the show starting, the stage is cast in a cloud of smoke. Proudly, James Nathan Lyell and Hugo Stuart Gruzman stand in the centre, not afraid to dance. The crowd dance too, somehow achieving perfect synchronisation without even being aware of anything but the music.

Instantly breaking the stereotype that electronic artists simply push buttons, the pair each pick up a guitar, leading into their familiar hit Stranded, which has the audience singing. Luckily, they manage to play Sunshine while the sun is still up. The smoke machine works overtime, truly deserving a raise.

It seems some of the attendees can’t forget the football game, not even for an hour, as they chant It’s Coming Home. In response, Flight Facilities truly make the stage seem like their home, as they get the concertgoers to kneel. Their new track, All Your Love, has Rufio moving closer to the audience and serenading them with deeper lyrics. It’s the first song solely focused on the words, not the instruments.

Similarly, Graace’s vocals are first to the instrumentals in Clair De Lune. “Lights won’t change,” she sings – as they do. Bright white lights penetrate the crowd but they don’t remain stable for long, changing to strobe with alternating pulses, and are added to with torches from phones. 

We all understand Foreign Language, a fitting summer hit. Coming back for a long encore, which includes Crave You, the musicians say they have seven minutes, and they’re going to use every single one. So they launch into a rendition of Love Is in the Air, the perfect way to use their time.

People ask why this electronic duo have not released any further albums, and this concert is the answer. How could they recreate the cheers, the football chanting, the sun that shines down on the floor and more? It is impossible to reproduce their live essence in the studio, and so Flight Facilities are one of those acts that can pull off a great live show.

Regan Harle
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Flight Facilities’ website here.

Watch the video for All Your Love here: