It was the biggest gig of their career – and Hollaphonic pulled out all the stops to ensure they didn’t disappoint.
Called on to open for trance master Armin van Buuren at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert, the duo were offered an opportunity that was unprecedented for a UAE act.
And taking to the du Arena stage on November 21, the band did a compelling job of translating their brand of radio-ready electro pop to their biggest audience yet.
“We are here all the way from Dubai,” mic man Olly Wood deadpanned, by way of introduction.
The other half of the duo, Greg Stainer, concentrated on the beats, dropping a steady stream of danceable originals and covers to a receptive crowd, while a new set of scene-stealing visuals swirled on the big screens.
Guest vocalists included Kevin Murphy, who performed the hit Fabric, and Juliana Down's Dia Hassan, who sang the single Found You (Stay Alive), as well as Brit Chick.
Everyone was back onstage for closing hit Runaway, their latest single, with guest singer Aaron Camper sadly absent because he is touring with Justin Timberlake.
All eyes are now on the duo's forthcoming debut album Personal Space, which is set to drop early in 2015.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
