Review: David Byrne at ICC Theatre Sydney, 20 November
The ‘American Utopia’ tour has challenged every traditional live rock show boundary. It hasn’t just reinvented the wheel, it’s pulled it apart, observed it, rebuilt it and then thrown it out altogether. There is no concert on the planet quite like this.
The tour starts with David Byrne sitting alone at a desk holding a comically large brain. As he sings, he points to different parts of the model, explaining its function to the audience. “Here is a region of abundant details / Here is a region that is seldom used / Here is a region that continues living / Even when the other sections are removed.”
Byrne is then slowly joined by the eleven remaining cast members. All clad in matching grey Kenzo suits with their instruments strapped to their body like a marching band. These performers are in constant movement from the moment they enter the stage.
Annie-B Parson’s fantastic choreography ebbs and flows between strict synchronization and manic limbs flying akimbo. All the while the performers wear a gigantic, unwavering grin. Their performance radiates pure joy and unabashed fun.
The ‘American Utopia’ performers are world class. During the night, Byrne breaks from performing to tell a story about how people doubt that all the sound from the show comes from the crew on stage. Byrne then goes on to prove that it does, gradually building up a cacophony of sound, instrument by instrument.
‘American Utopia’s’ production is stark in comparison to the monolithic concerts we’re so used to seeing, but it is infinitely more rousing. No amount of pyrotechnics could match this visceral feast. The performance encompasses all your senses. It makes you feel like a child at the pantomime.
The carefully-curated Talking Heads performances were pure ecstasy. Byrne treated fans to unforgettable interpretations of classic tracks, I Zimbra, Slippery People, This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody), Blind and Burning Down The House.
The most euphoric moment of the night was the performance of Once In A Lifetime. The song ignited the shows most united sing-along. Every member of the crowd shot to their feet, awkwardly recreating dance moves they’d seen in Stop Making Sense.
Watch: Talking Heads – Once in a Lifetime
The concert’s closing encore was a cover of Janelle Monae’s poignant and powerful protest song, “Hell You Talmbout”. A song that spawned from the racially charged murders of African-Americans. The crew ditched the dancing to form a protest line to chant the names of those who have passed. It was an emotionally charged, jarring and important performance.
The ‘American Utopia’ tour was enthralling, meticulous and flawlessly executed. Most importantly, it was a joyous and gentle reminder to have fun. You will leave the show elated, inspired and unsure whether anything else will ever impress you again.
Watch: Janelle Monae – Hell You Talmbout
David Byrne American Utopia
Tour Dates
Saturday 24 November
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, VIC
ticketek.com.au
Sunday 25 November
AEC Arena, Adelaide, SA
ticketek.com.au
