Poster for A.D.H.D (photo: abcdefgorry instagram)
There were two separate nights for A.D.H.D, cleverly shortened for Air Dubai Hi Dive: Dinosaurus Rex supporting the first on the 27th of December and Total Ghost taking the final night of December 28th. To my dismay, I only attended the second night and it was my last show of 2013, so I expected it to go out with not just a bang, but to shake the venue apart. Not only did I get that energy I and the rest of the audience craved, but Total Ghost and the members of Air Dubai proved to be one of the most high intensity, musically driven, and infectious acts I've witnessed all year.
Total Ghost takes the audience by surprise
"Night time...in space!"
Before Total Ghost took the stage, about an hour after doors opened for the event, Air Dubai's merchandise guy was M.I.A, but that didn't stop the boys from getting behind their booth and selling products straight to their fans. They greeted and signed and took pictures right up until the show started, showing their fans a true and humble welcome. I was pleasantly surprised at how gracious every member of the bands were: the night had sold out and not once did they hesitate to mingle. This warmed up the fans, who braved plummeting temperatures and snow, and gave the show a very intimate setting before it even began.
As fans congregated near the stage, drinks and phones in hand, the dynamic duo of Total Ghost took their places and captured the attention of unsuspecting Flight Crew fans by pleasant surprise. Lead singer Chon--decked out in thrift-like costume composed of a glittering tank top, cut-off shorts, metallic matching jacket and leggings bedazzled the audience with his hypnotic, sultry dance moves and at one point "took a nap" on the floor. His keyboard playing partner, Biktor, charmed us with his monotone sarcasm and sudden karate practice mid song. The group engulfed show with their vivacious and nerdy humor that kept the crowd pumped, jumping to their hits "Too Fast for the Autobahn" and "Space Station". Mid-set they "slowed it down" with their serious, but over the top, track "Tour Life". For the attendees, like myself, who hadn't experienced the awesome that is Total Ghost--their performance wasn't short of a full on spectacle of entertainment vitality.
Total Ghost's Chon gets up-close and personal
After the vigorous show stopper, it was absolutely unambiguous that every member of the audience enjoyed the Total Ghost set. We were already exhausted from dancing and losing it all for the moment just as Biktor and Chon had, but our break was short lived when the six members of Air Dubai hit the stage. From the very first chorus of "Hit the Dark", Air Dubai was ready to give it 200%. Rapper Julian coolly, spit his lyrics while tidal waves of absolute passion spilled from singer Jon. Together the pair mesmerized the audience, who sang with equal enthusiasm right back to them. While Lawrence and Taylor rocked with their guitar and bass while Nick provided the perfect beat with his drums and Michael sythned away popular songs "Soul and Body" and "Dance With the Devil". In such a compact venue, audience involvement can make or break shows, and without a doubt Air Dubai proved that they are more than capable of stage appeal. We wish the show could've lasted "All Day", but the band promised with their curtain call that they would stay and party with their fans after.
Rapper Julian (left) and singer Jon (right) of Air Dubai
During the hang out session after the show, I talked with Jon about the band's signing with Hopeless Records, their 2014 tour, and a probable full LP being released in the spring. It was a long and prosperous year for Air Dubai and with a new record deal, the skies look clear and bright.
Lawrence (left) rocks the guitar
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