REVIEW: DIVISION @ TANDANYA NATIONAL ABORIGINAL CULTURAL INSTITUTE

Their post-hardcore noise was matched by the band’s frenetic energy, resulting in a sort-of methodical and infectious madness.

Image by Laura Horvath

The city’s music diversity was on full display on Friday, May 26, as dozens headed to Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute on a colder-than-usual Friday evening to celebrate the launch of Division’s debut EP, ‘Fragments’. 

The gig started with Nuclear Family, who politely asked the intimate crowd to shuffle forward to join them at the stage. We happily obliged. Somehow, the four-piece’s particular brand of indie-rock made the large Tandanya gallery space feel extra-cosy. The band weaved through their catalogue of soft sounds, expertly layering gentle guitars with vocal harmonisation, an echoing trumpet and paced drums. In between tracks, tuning allowed for some sweet on-stage banter between bandmates, and by the time Nuclear Family wrapped their set, we were left with a sizeable crush on the four-piece and their music. 

Next, Kuma Kaaru took the stage. Led by Jack Buckskin, the collective welcomed us to their land and the Tandanya space before sharing songs, stories and culture with the audience. When Jack played yidaki (didgeridoo), the gallery acoustics let the instrument’s deep, rumbling sound reverberate throughout the crowd. You could feel the sound in your body. Traditional song and dance were punctuated with Jack’s cheeky asides and engaging storytelling about the grassy plains of Kaurna Tarntanya (red kangaroo place) and Kaurna songlines. 

Then it was Division’s time to take the stage to share their debut EP, ‘Fragments’. Considering this was only the band’s second show, the four-piece ran a tight ship. A looping whir of buzzing feedback built anticipation in the crowd before the band took to the stage and delivered their intense yet well-rehearsed chaos. Any on-stage nerves Division may have had quickly melted as they moved through their ten-song set. 

Their post-hardcore noise was matched by the band’s frenetic energy, resulting in a sort of methodical and infectious madness. The musicians became one with their instruments as they bumped and jumped around, and a quick scan around the room saw several audience members joining them in a contained yet vigorous bop. 

Behind the band was a projection of the King William Steet and Waymouth Street intersection, created by Tailjar. Seeing Adelaide Metro buses and busy traffic whizzing past as frontman Matt ‘Footy’ Horvath sang ruminations of his insular thoughts, gave the set a distinct feel of time and place. Division worked quickly through their set, seamlessly moving from track to track and by the end of the gig, they’d become confident performers with smooth skill. Wrapping with a nonchalant ‘Thanks for watching!’, they ran off the stage, leaving the audience savouring the ear assault they’d just experienced. 

With two impressive gigs under their belt, it’s only a wonder how Division will level up their next gig. But one thing’s for sure, we’ll buy a ticket to find out.