When I first heard that the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) were going to be hosting a Friday night gig series, I was intrigued. New venues for live music always piques my interest. I liked the concept but wasn’t sure how or even if it would actually work.

Australian electro/experimental rock band, PVT  are a band that only appeared on my radar after listening to their latest album, New Spirit, and really digging it. The song, ‘Morning Mist, Rock Island Bend’, struck a particular chord as it is reminiscent of the tone of Bowie’s final album, Blackstar (which I also loved), especially in the eerie, almost alien-like vocals.

Leading me to analyse their back catalogue I discovered that PVT have been around since 2005 and have adapted their sound based on each progressive release. Therefore, I was further intrigued to check them out live with the mentality that having no expectations about a band or a show could yield unexpected results. And so it came to be on Feb 24th 2017.

Casually chilling side of stage before jumping on, the Sydney trio started their set with a minimum of fuss. A cool iPad created, David Hockney artwork was the band’s backdrop (A must see exhibition by the way). With all sorts of colourful wires coming out of Dave Miller’s laptop, his electronically manipulated sounds creating beautifully moody, introspective soundscapes.

Vocalist, Richard Pike, distorts and layers his vocals to ghostly effect and gives the music an unnerving yet oddly soothing appeal. Playing guitar, bass, keyboard and alternating between the three or just singing solo, Pike is a man of many musical talents.

The set was paced well, with a mixed bag of slower, contemplative songs amongst more upbeat ones. It was on an upbeat note that PVT wisely chose to close their set out with ‘Morning Mist,’ a set highlight, and ‘Kangaroo’, two of their most exciting songs.

My only complaint (and it is minor) would have to be the band’s lack of chat on stage. There were no song announcements and barely a word spoken to the crowd (which had definitely swelled in numbers by the end).

The upside however, was much greater. There were moments where this reviewer closed his eyes and was lost in a sea of genuine exhilaration. Words aren’t important when a band can create that intangible feeling.