Indiana and Clean Bandit at XOYO

In two extremely dissimilar – yet equally entertaining – sets, electronica artist Indiana opens for baroque pop collective Clean Bandits at XOYO in Shoreditch.

A short but mesmerising supporting act, the Nottingham-based artist’s evocative vocals are set to 80s-inspired synths, and when she opens with Solo Dancing, the track encompasses the techno, house and trance genres in the most absorbing fashion, but does little to stir the audience.

Bound exhibits real sex appeal as Indiana fervently sings “I have your touch under my skin” and the attitude she conveys, along with her facial expression, suggests she’s singing about an experience – not just describing generic situations – and bringing an element of realism to the piece.

Animal, Blind As I Am and Smoking Gun from her latest EP showcase more of the instrumental accompaniment, with the drum beats and bass vibrating through the dance floor, and electric guitar riffs that draw you in.

Indiana is engrossing in her edgy finale, Mess Around. With red spotlights flashing overhead, along with her fierce demeanour, the atmosphere is intense, as though warning you of the imminent end.

Headliners, Clean Bandit, open to a packed venue, with an orchestral element made up of two violinists, a cellist and a clarinettist taking centre stage alongside the two lead singers.

Their style unique, they incorporate classical melodies into their pop and R&B tracks to create the most striking numbers.  Dancing along enthusiastically to their sound, the atmosphere is like a club, with high energy coming from the band and crowd alike.

While the instrumentalists play popular tracks like A & E and Mozart’s House beautifully, and the amalgamation of genres is both compelling and fun, the lyrical content of tracks like Telephone Banking cheapens the overall effect. With a chorus like: “go and check my clothes, I wear chinos, oh I’m such a lovely man”, it seems trivial in contrast with the commanding composition,  but upbeat nonetheless.

Natasha Fonseka

For further information about Indiana and future events visit their website here.

For further information about Clean Bandit and future events visit their website here.

Watch the video for Smoking Gun here: