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Empire Of The Sun
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Tasmanian Alternative-electronic duo Sumner open the stage at Sidney Myer Music Bowl as lead singer Chloe Wilson shouts, “Melbourne, let’s go!”
We’re immediately captivated by their blend of live instrumental and electronic production, topped with Wilson’s alluring vocals. The mood is set, the audience is dancing and thrilled as the duo pay homage to Aussie icons INXS with their iconic hit song ‘Need You Tonight’.
They share new music including ‘Half Myself Without You’ and a preview of their next single called ‘Starlight’ coming out in November. Sumner mesmerise us with their hit ‘Stranded’ co-written and produced by one half of Empire Of The Sun (Nick Littlemore).
As the sun descends, Crooked Colours take to the stage. Formally a trio, Phil Slabber is now a solo act. Tonight, he jumps on stage and delivers a set that builds up perfectly and has the bowl up on their feet dancing in no time.
Slabber expresses that he was left without a drummer up until two days ago, however, Brisbane born drummer Mikaela Swan quickly learnt and delivered an incredible performance to support Slabber’s seductive live vocals and guitar to create an impressive indie-electronic sound.
As the bowl transcends into darkness, the roar of the crowd erupts as the time has finally come for the main event. Empire Of The Sun delivers an elaborate live show complete with extravagant set designs, costumes, headwear, visuals and lighting.
As the stage begins to illuminate, it reveals a giant stone head as two dancers enter carrying bonsai plants. Luke Steele enters the stage dressed in a red emperor–inspired ensemble as the oriental sounds of ‘Changes’ takes the crowd on a euphoric journey.
Their latest album ‘Ask That God’ comes after almost a decade since the last, which began in Japan and this theme continues throughout the show featuring visuals along with a multitude of costume changes from Steele and his dancers.
For the next ninety-minutes we’re taken on a psychedelic journey of self-discovery, life, death and re-birth as they deliver their iconic soundscape of electronic-synth combined with rock and roll. They serve up tracks from their latest album and crowd favourites that cemented Empire Of The Sun as one of Australia’s most successful musical exports.
Steele emerges back to the stage in another elaborate outfit change and dancers dressed as giant disco balls for a fanfavourite, ‘We Are The People.’
“During the pandemic, I said, there was no more Empire. I’m done, I’m exhausted and you guys said no, no, no,” Steele reveals to the crowd thinking the band’s journey was over. “If you have a massive dream or a vision, you’re going to do amazing things,” he reassures his fans, as he reflects on life’s hurdles and imparts hope in a moment of reflection.
“Alright, let’s keep this party going!” Steele exclaims. The electrifying show continues to celebrate Empire Of The Sun’s catalogue of music. Steele commands the stage to deliver a rock–infused electronic display for their hit ‘DNA.’
The stage, lighting and visuals continue to illuminate combining futuristic and natural elements from backup dancers dressed as nests holding alien-like eggs. Steele seemingly reaches out to the Gods in a vision of art mirroring that of Michael Angleo leading into crowd favourite ‘Walking On A Dream’.
The crowd is left screaming for more and just when we think the spectacle is over, Steele returns to the stage in a white ensemble for ‘Standing On The Shore’ to the delight of the crowd.
In a final extravagant act, Steele proceeds to smash his guitar, then is baptized by his dancers dressed as God-like figures. He raises his hands to the sky as ‘Alive’ strikes up and the crowd is left feeling exhilarated and empowered one last time.
Words by Luke Reale
