Royal Blood @ Horden Pavillion
Nothing short of a meteor shower
Review by Adam Davis Powell & photos by Rhys Bennett.
Royal Blood’s explosive performance in Sydney was nothing short of a meteor shower, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s rock scene. The British rock ‘n’ roll duo embarked on an 8-show tour in Australia and New Zealand, curating an exceptional lineup of supporting acts for each stop. Sydney, in particular, was treated to the musical prowess of the Kiwi crew The Buoys and the Perth juggernauts Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, making it a night to remember.
Opening the night at the iconic Hordern Pavilion were The Buoys, whose signature style of happy-go-lucky alt-rock set the stage perfectly. As the venue began to fill, the audience was captivated by their performance, showcasing a level of energy that solidified their place in the lineup of one of the largest shows they’ve played to date.
Following The Buoys, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets took the stage and transformed the Hordern Pavilion into a pulsating sea of psychedelia. With infectious grooves and an unparalleled stage presence, the Perth powerhouses quickly had the entire room fully packed. Their performance,
Highlighted by the crowd-moving unity during tracks like Cornflake & quot was nothing short of mesmerizing. Expressing their gratitude to Royal Blood midway through their set, the band acknowledged the iconic duo as some of the best in the business, making the night truly special for them. The room felt like a 5500-person orgy, with the crowd moving in unison, adding an electrifying dimension to the night.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—Royal Blood emerged on stage like the Geminid meteor shower about to unleash its celestial chaos on Australia. Despite being a two-piece, Royal Blood managed to produce a sound of colossal proportions that filled the Hordern Pavilion.
Mike Kerr’s mastery of the bass, treating his four-stringed instrument like a weapon, created god-like tones that reverberated through the venue. Drummer Ben Thatcher, a powerhouse behind the kit, kicked off the set by jumping into the pit during the first song, spreading infectious smiles
Throughout the crowd. The duo presented a beautifully crafted 18-track set, delving into their extensive catalogue while not neglecting fan-favourite tunes like “Lights Out”, “Typhoons”, and the unforgettable “Loose Change”
With a rapidly growing fan base, Royal Blood seems destined for even larger venues, as they continue to captivate audiences and solidify their place in the rock pantheon. Mark these words: arena tours are on the horizon for Royal Blood.
