RHYTHM is one of the world’s great unifiers, with almost every culture using percussion in its native music.

Embracing this shared heritage, this year’s Riverbeats Live concert in Parramatta will feature contemporary band Moth, which will take the stage following a parade of almost 100 performers representing the percussive traditions of several different cultures.

Moth is a new project from Synergy Percussion, which, over the past 35 years, has become internationally-renowned, collaborating with groups such as Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company.

Synergy Percussion artistic director Timothy Constable performs with and composes for Moth, showing his flexibility as a percussionist, vocalist, and electronic music producer with the band.

“When I became artistic director at the beginning of this year, one of my dreams was to bring the Synergy sound to a younger audience,’’ Constable said.

“With Moth, it’s about breaking down barriers.

“Sometimes with Synergy, because of their long history, people have expectations of a serious, concert-hall experience.’’

The band’s line-up includes vocals, tuned percussion, drums, bass and electronic instruments, producing a sound that Constable describes as defying classification.

“It’s a bit of a blend because we’re all classically-trained musicians,’’ he said.

“There’s definitely pop elements, but also rock, folk and electronica.’’

Moth has been performing since the beginning of the year, focussing mainly on the festival circuit, where the group has tailored each performance to suit the event.

For the upcoming Riverbeats show, Constable said Moth would continue this tradition, with new compositions already in progress.

“For Riverbeats, we’re looking to do something that ties in with the water theme, as well as the massive percussion extravaganza we’re part of.

“I’m looking at a few classical pieces that are about water, and then re-working that to be more of a beat-driven concept.

“There are also going to be quite literally bowls of water that we’re going to play on stage.’’

Moth will be preceded by a drumming procession from Church St to the riverbanks by the Big Bang Rhythm Project, a community troupe made up of Uruguayan, Pacific Islander, Lebanese and western drummers from the local area.

Having experienced the festival before with electro-rock act Coda, Constable is excited about returning to Riverbeats this year.

“I think that when you look at the line-up of bands there’s a great mix, with some slightly more experimental work coming through. There’s something for everybody.’’

* Moth play Riverbeats Live on Saturday, October 31.

RIVERBEATS PROGRAM OF EVENTS

* What: Eats B4 Riverbeats
* When: Saturday, October 31, 4.30-9.30pm
* Where: Church St, Parramatta

* What: Riverbeats Live: The Main Event
* When: Saturday, October 31, 7-11pm
* Where: Parramatta Riverbank

* What: Loy Krathong: Thai Water Festival
* When: Saturday, November 7, 5.30pm
* Where: Parramatta Riverbank

* What: The Water Project: Youth Symposium
* When: Friday, November 13, 9.30am-1.30pm
* Where: Riverside Theatre, Parramatta

* What: Carp Fish Out
* When: Saturday, November 14, 10am-4pm
* Where: Parramatta River