FILM REVIEW: RÜFÜS DU SOL - LIVE AT JOSHUA TREE
The picturesque landscape of Joshua Tree is illuminated with flashing neon lights, which are scattered throughout the frames. An exciting sense of evening begins, as Valley of the Yuccas plays. A smaller stage is revealed, and Eyes begins shortly after. It’s clear to see the effect the setting has had on their music, as hues of blue, orange, and pink surround the trio, their tracks sounding as polished as ever. The red rocks frame RÜFÜS DU SOL almost perfectly, and their album is well and truly underway.
Lights are turned off and shadows are formed when New Sky begins, setting the tone for the rattling marimba sounds which encapsulate a barren Californian desert.
During the heavy drum solo in Desert Night, the sky is almost black and lights are creating a flash mob effect in time with the track, which replicates a festival stage setting.
All is quiet for the beginning of Solace, as a melancholic mood is entered. Lights are dimmed, and the night is in full swing. It’s now pitch black, and lights and sirens have erupted in Joshua Tree. An incredible light show is shown from above, and things return to how they were before Solace, as Underwater begins.
Although it’s still dark, a lighter feeling sweeps over the desert with Underwater’s upbeat tempo matching the flashing rods of light, which are still spaced out across the mountains and hills.
Lights are off as Innerbloom starts, and the trio’s faces are illuminated partly by the reflecting white lights. Singer and key board player Tyrone Lindqvist is visibly intertwined with this track, as are Jon George and James Hunt with emotions running high during the lulls of Innerbloom.
Orange rods of light are now visible, with the Sydney alt-dance trio finishing the film with No Place. It’s apparent that the film has come full circle, and it’s clear that RÜFÜS DU SOL have paid utmost respect to their distinct sound and creative processes. Live From Joshua Tree, directed by Alexander George, is a must-see for all fans (and non-fans) of RÜFÜS DU SOL, as it presents a spectacular glimpse of just how much time, energy, and emotion is put into each and every track played by Australia’s alt-dance favourites.
