Tangerine Dream at Max Watts: Electronic Transcendence in an Intimate Space by Mark Jenkins.Brilliant Pics by Dan McKay.

Max Watts House of Music, Melbourne | June 9, 2025

There's something almost sacred about witnessing Tangerine Dream in the flesh—those cascading Berlin School arpeggios that helped birth ambient music, now flowing through a room thick with anticipation and reverence for vintage synths. Last night at Max Watts, the legendary electronic pioneers delivered a masterful 2.5-hour journey that reminded everyone present why they've remained essential listening for over five decades.

Aphir: The Perfect Portal

Before the main event, local artist Aphir (Becki Whitton) provided an absolutely sublime opening that deserves serious recognition. 

Her ethereal, dance-inflected soundscapes channelled the gossamer vocal textures of Elizabeth Fraser-era Cocteau Twins, weaving glitchy electronics through choral layers that seemed to float above the crowd. Tracks drifted between ambient pop and club-ready grooves, creating an immersive prelude that had bodies swaying and minds already drifting into electronic headspace.

The highlight was a brand new track, played live for the first time—a staggering, spirited piece that showcased her evolution as an artist. Aphir's minimalist staging belied the complexity of her sound design—this was sophisticated, emotionally resonant work that proved Melbourne's electronic scene is thriving.

Tangerine Dream: Architects of Inner Space

When Thorsten Quaeschning, Hoshiko Yamane, and Paul Frick took the stage, the room transformed. What followed was nothing short of electronic alchemy—a seamless blend of classic TD compositions and spontaneous sonic exploration that showcased both their legendary catalogue and their continued creative vitality.

The setlist traced their evolution from the meditative pulse of Phaedra through the cinematic grandeur of Love on a Real Train and Betrayal (Sorcerer Theme). Yamane's electric violin carved haunting melodies above Quaeschning's analog warmth, while Frick's layered synths provided both rhythmic drive and textural depth.

The evening's most electrifying moments came when TD dove deep into abstract electronica and harder-edged territory, with beats that flirted dangerously close to techno. These passages showcased the band at their most adventurous, pure sonic exploration that felt both futuristic and primal.

While pieces like Stratosfear featured those divisive sampled Euro-guitar textures (admittedly not everyone's cup of tea, and certainly a matter of personal taste rather than artistic critique), the band's commitment to pushing electronic music's boundaries remained unwavering.

The improvisational Session pieces—a TD tradition—proved they're still pushing boundaries, with spontaneous compositions that felt both cosmic and deeply human.

Visual Majesty, Spatial Limitations

The accompanying visual show was genuinely stunning—swirling galaxies, fractal animations, and abstract light patterns that perfectly complemented the music's otherworldly atmosphere.

However, Max Watts' intimate confines, while creating an undeniable closeness with the performers, felt restrictive for such an ambitious audio-visual experience.

This production would absolutely soar in a warehouse venue like Tasmania's MAC2 at Macquarie Wharf No. 2—imagine these visuals projected across massive screens in that cavernous, purpose-built space where Dark Mofo works its magic. The intimacy was special, but Tangerine Dream's cosmic scope deserves cosmic venues.

The Verdict

Despite the spatial constraints, this was essential viewing for anyone who understands electronic music's lineage. Tangerine Dream proved they're not museum pieces but living, breathing creators still capable of transcendent moments. Combined with Aphir's brilliant opening, it was an evening that traced electronic music's past while pointing toward its future.

The only tragedy? That more people weren't there to witness it. In an era of disposable beats and algorithm-driven playlists, Tangerine Dream's patient, immersive approach feels both revolutionary and necessary. They're still mapping inner space, one hypnotic sequence at a time.

★★★★☆ (Would be five stars in the right venue, like a warehouse, but still spellbindingly mind-blowing)

Much love as always to Birds Robe for the amazing access to this special event, and here's the links to their peerless and seraphic music:

APHIR

https://linktr.ee/aphir_

TANGERINE DREAM

https://linktr.ee/TangerineDream

AND ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES ON WHAT BIRDS ROBE HAS PLANNED, ALWAYS CREATIVELY ENCHANTING AND ESSENTIAL:

https://linktr.ee/birdsrobe

PHOTOS BY THE MASTER OF THE LENS:

https://www.instagram.com/dannomc/