live: dust at phoenix central park

PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN MUNNS

Having never been to Judith Neilson's Phoenix Central Park we were unsure of what to expect but walking in was nothing short of spectacular. With the last light of the day cascading through the skylights into the foyer, it was the perfect setting for dust to perform their debut album Sky Is Falling ahead of its release the following day.

We walked into the performance space with opening DJ Juan Villamor creating the ideal prelude before dust took the stage. Being offered refreshments and earplugs was a welcomed surprise although we were both slightly distracted looking at the incredible architecture of the performance space.

The lights fell, the band walked in, although Phoenix Central Park is an intimate space, the applause was that of an auditorium. This was the first time I’d seen a band perform whilst all facing each other in a circle, which made it feel like we were the quiet observers at a rehearsal, a glance at the connection between the band members making it feel more familiar. However, from the first song it was obvious that this was not a practice. The first three songs radiated through the room and captivated the audience before vocalist Justin Teale welcomed and thanked us for being there. Catching glimpses and smiles between band members added to the overall closeness of the evening.

From start to finish the audience were enthralled by the performance. Phoenix Central Park provided an incredible space for the Newcastle band to debut their album with the evening being incredibly distinctive and special.