ACL Live Shot: Gotye

Photo by Shelley Hiam

As the final notes of the Roots' performance died out, Gotye and his merry band of mischief-makers took the stage to nail a consummately professional and playful performance on their first visit to Austin. The band commenced with the thrumming "Eyes Wide Open," followed by a sultry "The Only Way" from sophomore LP Like Drawing Blood (2006), and "Easy Way Out" from last year's Making Mirrors. The set was much more cohesive than the albums, culling songs that suited high spirits and accommodated Gotye's seeming preference for synths, gadgets, danceable beats, and big sound. Of course, there's the little matter of "Somebody That I Used to Know," which the singer wryly acknowledged as he coyly plunked out the opening notes: "Does this ring a bell, anyone?" Naturally, the crowd went wild and a few thousand camera phones shot into the air to gobble up footage. As expected, Kimbra, also performing at ACL, appeared onstage to deliver her part in this little bit of theatre. The final notes of that song signaled an evacuation order for much of the audience; their loss, as Gotye and crew closed the set with the slinky "Hearts a Mess" and the joyous "Learnalilgivinanlovin."