Syamimi YusoffReview: Postiljonen Live in Singapore
Tucked at the corner of Kandahar Street is Pink Noize, an eccentric-looking shophouse with flickering neon lights that would later host Postiljonen, set to induce audiences into a state of lucid dreaming.
Having only formed in 2011, the Swedish trio is currently on an Asia tour, playing their soothing synthesizer tunes to indie crowds most likely familiar with similar-sounding music by College, Air France, M83 and Sigur Ros.
Opening the show was Juno and Hanna, brother and sister duo hailing from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Although it was their first time performing in Singapore, the synthpop siblings managed to put together a magical performance, where the talented 17-year-old Hanna sang melodiously in her saccharine-drenched voice and Juno produced mellow beats with his wine-red electronic guitar.
As the lights dimmed and curtains drawn, the illustrated letter ‘P’ – their iconic symbol – was projected onto a white veil, introducing Postiljonen onstage to cheers from an enthusiastic audience.
The trio performed tracks off their debut album, Skyer, starting the night off with “Intro”, which warmed up the crowd.
The dream pop group also paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston with their very own rendition of the classic “How Will I Know”, which was renamed to “All That We Had Is Lost”. Other divine tracks like “Help” kept fans contented.
The heat and sweat in the tiny space never bothered the sold-out crowd as everyone swayed to the ritual-like sounds while mirror-imaging the Norwegian vocalist Mia Bøe’s body undulating to the thumping rhythm. She was at the center of attention alongside skilled multi-instrumentalists Daniel Sjörs and Nyström Holm, generating otherworldly tunes with intense concentration and passion.
The glimmering bright lights outlined Nyström’s rocking silhouette and Daniel’s towering figure with his bun messily pulled back, adding to the dreamy atmosphere. In addition, the strong bass from the speakers caused the wooden dance floor to vibrate vigorously, psyching up the party animals.
The final song that had everyone craving for an encore was “Atlantis”, which had the fans fantasizing a languorous wonderland of Scandinavian pastures and northern stars.
Judging from the audience slipping into a state of trance by the music, it was a clear sign everyone had a little bit of the Postiljonen syndrome, which frankly felt like a midsummer’s dream come true.
Setlist
We raise our hearts
Help
Plastic Panorama
Supreme Rivers
Skying High
All that we had is lost
Atlantis