Despite sweltering temperatures in London, Australian electronic act Empire of the Sun provided a high-energy performance during the launch of their latest UK tour. The band's frontman, Luke Steele, captivated the audience at Alexandra Palace with his distinctive stage presence, including a sequined gown and Samurai hat.
The concert marked the band's largest-ever UK headline show and kicked off a three-night residency in the city. Known for their synth-pop hits like "We Are The People" and "Walking On A Dream," which have each garnered over a billion streams on Spotify, Empire of the Sun delivered a performance described as a "meatier proposition" live.
Utilizing a backdrop of colorful digital screens, lasers, strobe lights, and confetti cannons, the band played with the dynamism of a vintage funk or disco ensemble. With co-founder Nick Littlemore not touring, Steele was joined by a band that included guitarist Ian Ball and drummer Olly Peacock, members of the Mercury Prize-winning UK indie-rock group Gomez. They added new dimensions to the band's signature dreamy psychedelia while maintaining a strong, beat-driven foundation.
The setlist prominently featured tracks from the band's 2024 album, "Ask That God," including "Music On The Radio," which was accompanied by visual elements such as dancing monsters and a guitar duel between Steele and Ball. However, older songs such as "We Are The People" elicited the most enthusiastic singalongs from the crowd, with attendees holding their hands, phones, and water bottles aloft, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an outdoor festival.
Empire of the Sun's London residency at Alexandra Palace is scheduled to continue on June 26 and 27. The band is also set to perform at Piece Hall in Halifax on June 28 and Fairview Park in Dublin on June 30.
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