Live Review: Years And Years, Panama

The entry line to get into Max Watt's runs along Swanston Street as fans eagerly wait to get inside and fight for a spot close to the front. Early arrivals are in for a treat as Panama kicks things off with their atmospheric, uplifting sound. Together, lead singer/keyboardist Jarrah McLeary and drummer Tim Commandeur create powerhouse indie-pop with incredible energy.

They're excited to share some new songs with us tonight, filled with plenty of catchy hooks and emotionally-charged vocals. Having been on tour overseas for a while McLeary tells us he's glad to be back in Australia supporting Years & Years — coincidentally he met lead singer Olly Alexander through Twitter. Tonight he dedicates their song Destroyer to Alexander as a thank you for having them on the tour.

The British electro pop trio Years & Years take to the stage one by one and begin with their album's opening track, Foundation, the moody introduction conjuring an ethereal sound and highlighting Alexander's strong, soulful vocals that illuminate the song's dark undertones. The pace quickly shifts into their sweet spot with their dance-pop-driven Take Shelter. Alexander tells us he's got a good feeling about the crowd tonight as he dances around on stage bursting with excitement and spreading his infectious smile.

Melbourne is bassist Mikey Goldsworthy's hometown so they've got a lot of friends and fans in the audience tonight — Goldsworthy even gives a special shout out to his mum. It's also their last show in Australia after touring for Splendour In The Grass so they're sad to leave after such an amazing experience. The set has excellent light and shade with stratospheric synth-pop anthems Shine and Ties, things then slowing down for us to catch our breath during emotional piano-driven ballads Memo and Eyes Shut. Alexander appears shy on the surface but when he really feels the music he breaks out of his shell and dances up a storm, krumping around on stage.

They throw in a cover of Blu Cantrell's Breathe, an electro-pop interpretation matched perfectly with flawless vibrato and soulful vocals to make the blast from the past relevant once again. The final track of the night is of course their biggest hit, King, with its soaring choruses sending the audience into uncontrollable fits of dancing to the pounding drum beats and pulsating synths.