PVT

PVT might be better known as Pivot to most around these parts, but to avoid the chance of any legal hassles, the Sydney three-piece conceded to the change. I guess I may as well do that, even if it reads like SMS language.

Returning in 2010 with Church With No Magic - the follow up to 2007’s more than formidable O Soundtrack My Heart, PVT hit Melbourne’s Corner Hotel to show what a live force they really are. Along with some new stage moves, PVT’s sound, light and sheer presence proved why these guys might just be the best local live act.

The show had some great supporting acts – each providing a similar taste to PVT’s experimental sounds.

The first of these was Tantrums, a trio of modest musicians that had early comers engaged from the start of the musical evening. Tantrums produced a more ambient array of soundscapes than PVT would, using visuals on the venue’s projectors to enhance each track’s sensory appeal.

Playing instrumental tracks at first (a couple of machines and a bass guitar), they didn’t really need vocals for their appeal, but Jade McInally’s voice did eventually add a nice element to the entire act. Tantrums ended their set by throwing vocoder vocals into the mix – a welcome change. A light show to accompany their visuals would have greatly benefitted their onstage performance.

Providing such visuals was Seekae that appealed to the growing crowd. Seekae appeared amidst smoke and some dull greens and blues, producing a quieter experimental sound, complete with calming melody, bird sound effects and some “ahh ahhs”. Theirs was a kind of lulling sound, which would calm the crowd and prepare them for a rumble to shake some legs. Like Tantrums, Seekae avoided any staleness by evolving their sound throughout the set, finishing with a combination of spitfire percussion and videogame blips to leave a sizeable impression.

“We’re PVT... officially. But you can call us Pivot if you want.” Richard Pike’s name change quip made one thing clear – people knew these guys as Pivot, and such changes don’t happen overnight.

PVT appeared from behind the Corner curtain, and immediately had the room transfixed. Material from Church With No Magic appeared and immediately something was evident about how PVT plays live with prominent and strong vocals. Pike’s voice was in fine form and held the show together with his high notes impressing the addicted audience.

As a performance, PVT’s launch didn’t miss a beat and the trio sounded great in the Corner. Added to this was the manic light show, which saw duller moments vanish in an instant to massive white light beams and strobes. Laurence Pike’s drum kit was fitted with white lights as well, the visual barrage they illuminated matching his mighty skin bashing perfectly.

PVT has the eccentricities to match the weirdness of their sounds. Dave Miller was seriously active behind his boards, producing melody all the time. Where he could have just performed intricate electronic manoeuvres or simply turned a knob – he played like a mad man. Pike was no different either, twitching and thrashing about the stage with his guitar.

All of this seemed better than the old instrumental tracks they played on stage- ‘O Soundtrack My Heart’ and ‘Didn’t I Furious’. The latter featured strong strobe work that practically made the band look like an old film reel.

PVT has every element required to produce an entertaining and engaging show. It’s no wonder their fans keep coming back for more. The only thing lacking is the fact that PVT doesn’t get their deserved local attention locally. So do yourself a favour, and check them out next time they’re playing.

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