#magic lines

GIG REVIEW: LIGHTS OF BERLIN - MAGIC LINES EP LAUNCH

~ By Stephanie Lyon

Three years ago Lights of Berlin released their debut EP ‘Brand New Day’ which catapulted the Perth alternative rock band from the city of lights into the national limelight. After supporting international artists, selling out their own headlining shows across Australia, and working with ARIA award winning producer Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus) Lights of Berlin are back with a highly anticipated follow up EP ‘Magic Lines.’ 

On Saturday night North Perth’s Four5Nine Bar was filled to capacity as Lights of Berlin celebrated the release of ‘Magic Lines’ with an intimate show supported by an impressive display of local Perth talent.

Acoustic duo Life Is A Glass House kicked off the night performing tracks from their debut album ‘D.I.Y’ to a mixed reception as the majority of the crowd continued their conversations. There were a few small hiccups as words were forgotten, and laughter took over but the duo haven’t been together long, so one can assume it was nerves. Most importantly Life In A Glass House were having fun and with some more LIVE show experience they have the potential to be something special.

Wanderlust increased the energy in the room getting several people in the crowd on their feet with an eclectic multi-genre sound; bringing together elements of folk, soul, electronica, alternative, and indie. The majority of the tracks were from their debut EP before treating the audience to a track off their new EP which is currently being recorded.   

Pop rock band From The Dunes, whom you may recall from recently supporting Rob Thomas and Pete Murray at their Perth show, put the rock and roll in everyone’s socks. They performed tracks from their back catalogue and their upcoming EP ‘Fade To Grey’ warming up the crowd with beats you couldn’t help but tap your feet too and catchy choruses you wanted to sing along too. 

The crowd exploded as Lights Of Berlin took over the stage. Lead singer Devon Bayer admitted he was sick but soldiered on and gave his all. I’m certain nobody would have even noticed if he didn’t tell us. Everyone went crazy for new single ‘Michelle’ which saw phones pulled out from all directions to capture a memento of one of its first of many LIVE performances. 

Despite everyone having a very limited amount of time to become familiar with ‘Magic Lines’ other tracks ‘Heartbreaker’ ‘Wide Eyed Boy’ and ‘Time’ it didn’t stop the crowd rocking out to the Lights Of Berlin’s more dramatic sound. Heavier riffs, bigger chords, and infectious beats. 

Most, if not all, of the tracks from ‘Brand New Day’ were played resulting in hearty sing alongs which bled into their covers of Maroon 5, The Weekend, and their encore performance of everyone’s favourite, Wheatus hit song ‘Teenage Dirtbag.’ The cheese jokes were entertaining however they made a lot more sense after viewing a self made promotional video for ‘Magic Lines’ on the Lights Of Berlin Facebook page where they ask fans to put cheese on bassist Michael Hilliard’s baked beans. 

I can’t fathom the exact moment but I soon forgot I was there to observe and write a review. I jumped from my bar stool, pushed the table closer to the wall and manoeuvred around it toward the bright Lights Of Berlin. 

Get your copy of the Lights Of Berlin ‘Magic Lines’ EP from ITunes NOW

Image courtesy of Firestarter Distribution: Lights Of Berlin (left to right) Michael Hilliard, Devon Bayer, Ben Cremer, and Campbell Ellis.