No strangers to a dance party, Jagwar Ma bring out the weird and the wonderful on the Festival Republic stage.
Performing extended versions of favourites from across their two albums, the Australian psych-dance troubadours create a haven of their own invention. Frontman Gabe Winterfield is in his element, pulling shapes and leading the audience in a series of embellished dance motions, while Jack Freeman keeps the moment in motion, spinning in dizzying circles with an impressive acuity. Frenetic in their own movements, the crowd lose themselves in the movements of the music.
Under the shimmering stage lights ‘Give Me A Reason’ is presented with a new lease of life, while ‘Come Save Me’ takes on a rapturous energy. Drawing out their songs to such an extent, with a set of only six, Jagwar Ma’s set can’t help but feel a little short lived, but dancing in the dark to music laced with euphoria, the performance is a world of its own making.
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett