A few years ago I finally knocked Empire of the Sun off of my concert bucket list when they headlined Just Like Heaven music festival out in California. They were number one on my list, so I thought I could go happy. To my dismay, the set was just okay, so when I saw an announcement for a 2025 in celebration of their latest album, I decided I needed to give them another shot.
Thank god I did! Wow! I know I say that I’m not one for the spectacle of a show, but the stages for this concert were unreal. But first, I had to get through an almost never ending DJ set, but at least it wasn’t anything wild. When Empire of the Sun took the stage, the atmosphere turned electric and every empty space was filled with booming sound. The show itself was split into several different acts, all of which warranted an outfit change. Of course, each was as magnificant as the last, but it really helped the show stay dynamic.
Because while plenty of backdrops changed along with the outfits, the one constant on the stage was a giant inflatable of Nick. I couldn’t really tell if he was supposed to be frozen or something, but what a way to represent your missing bandmate! Apparently that is a thing that happens, at least in the US. We only get Luke. Not that he doesn’t make up for it, but it’d be nice to see them both. The new record’s tracks were laced all throughout the set, but I love that they opened the show with “Changes.” That’s right up there with “Music on the Radio” for me from that album.
Some of the new songs off the new record felt like they’d be impossible to hear in a live setting, but that didn’t stop him from absolutely crushing “The Feeling You Get” and title track, “Ask That God.” As for the rest of the set, I almost forget how long these guys have been around, because we were treated to the likes of “High and Low,” “DNA,” and “Alive.” Was I surprised that the latter closed out the show instead of “Walking on a Dream?” 100 percent, but it’s such a danceable, party song that I didn’t mind it. I was thrilled that “Standing on the Shore” and “Swordfish Hotkiss Night” made the list off of their debut album!
All in all, it was an amazing show and I’m so glad I made the trip to St. Louis to make it happen!
