Oct 263 min read

REVIEW + GALLERY: Empire of The Sun Ask That God Tour (Hordern Pavilion, 24/10/2024)

Updated: Oct 26

Words and Photographs by Jordan Newton

The electric duo Empire of The Sun return to the stage with the release of their new album Ask That God, first album in 8 years. Myself and die hard EOTS fans noted how perfect the new album sounds, giving nostalgia to their rise to popularity back in the early 2000s.

Hordern Pavilion was their first stop on a string of shows from Australia to the United States later in November. This highly anticipated & SOLD OUT tour brought people from all over the globe, including one attendee flying in from Idaho just to see them perform their first leg of this tour. Over 5,500 fans packed the 100 year old live music venue. What shocked me was the amount of young people in crowd considering security was telling me 20% of the crowd weren't even born when Empire of The Sun's debut album, Walking on a Dream, was released in 2008. This could be possible as the hit song is now popular on TikTok.

Before we were sent inside the usual food trucks, merch stands were clearly visible. A new addition was the the Australian Academy of Cinematic Makeup had set up a stand for concert goeers to get glammed up in face paint and coloured gems attached to their faces. A photo opp was set up with a land cthulhu mascot named Super Chai from Empire's latest music videos in Thailand for those who were transformed with make up tent next door.

Starting off the night is Tasmania duo Sumner who have over 49.k followers on Spotify with their tracks including Stranded, Ready and Good Light. Their mix of dance, bass and drum songs about intimacy and isolation help warm up the crowd. Chloe Wilson and Jack McLaine's chemistry on stage was noticeable, showing the strong bond between the two young musicians.

As soon as the marbel giant head of god was revealed on the right side of the stage, so began our celestial journey with Empire of The Sun. The show was visually stunning with artistic digital backdrops, back up dancers with an assortment of eccentric costumes and ageless and new classic hits. I don't recall Empire of the Sun having a song you don't dance to.

Luke Steele apearing off & on stage in a rotating roster of Japanese/Mongolian inspired traditional outfits blends in with the escapism & ecstasy sound of the band. The headpiece also reminded me of Queen Amidala from Star Wars Episode I. A highlight of the show was his guitar work. Not only did he dressed cool but he also played cool too. Like a Samurai with his katana (he eventually breaks it at the end of the show).

Hidden under a white hooded cloak is the backbone of the duo, Nick Littlemore. While his appearance was barely noticeable, his importance was music to the ears with him on keyboards, setting the scene & story through each song. Strutting around on stage, wearing a Greek philosopher style robe was the quirky Ian Bull. Often switching from guitar to bass making himself look cool to match Luke's stage charisma.

Luke commented mid set about the challenges the band faced in the last 8 years, the global pandemic, trauma, mental exhaustion which were a contributing factor on contemplating whether to end the emperor duo. However the fans prayed for their return and so they did with triumphant new album and perfect live sound.

It was a night of celebration and revival of the human spirit.

"You are a blessing in front of my eyes" - One devoted fan wrote on a piece of paper which was given to Luke during the show

The duo are due to perform next in Melbourne on the 26th of October, followed by Brisbane, Perth and then the emperors will fly over to the States for a set of shows in Mexico, Los Angeles and New York.

Purchase Your Tickets Here

EMPIRE OF THE SUN 24/10/2024 SETLIST: