Neon Trees have consistently released catchy and popular tracks on both their 2010 release Habits as well as last year’s Picture Show, which featured the catchy soundtrack to summer “Everybody Talks.”
It makes sense, then that the self-described “Mormon’s from Utah” were in Melbourne for a return visit, ready to warm the hearts of the people in the face of a rather wintry Wednesday night.
Opening were Sydney pop rockers New Empire. The four-piece performed to an already near-capacity crowd, filling the space with dreamy, soulful pop and plenty of jam breaks. Their atmospheric, folky aesthetic had a positive inflection, putting the crowd in a good mood that would last the rest of the night.
With dramatic introductory music playing in the background, Neon Trees were not only present but also prompt, taking to the stage right on their 9:15 time slot.
All eyes were on the gaunt yet colourful and energetic Tyler Glenn, with his peroxide blonde hair and studded yellow leather jacket.
The set was one filled with high kicks, roaring bass lines, and intense presence. The responsive crowd was set moving early on, clapping their hands to the bright and catchy “1983.”
There was plenty of passion and a strong personal connection in the set, such as for “Teenage Sounds,” an angsty song filled with anger about those difficult high school days.
Though not their first Australian visit, there was mix of both new releases and older crowd pleasers such as “Animal” from Habits with its catchy lyrics “Oh-oh I want some more/oh-oh, what are you waiting for, what are you waiting for?”
The crowd was clearly filled with some die-hard fans. Bassist Branden Campbell was the lucky recipient of a cork hat – a gift that was appreciated but proved a little impractical. A rather inebriated man hooted “Mad Love” several times throughout the night, becoming a vision of happiness when the 80s-inspired track was finally played.
Near the end of the set, most of the band left the stage to leave the spotlight on Glenn who performed a stripped-back version of “Your Surrender.” Glenn’s performance exposed his talent but also some concerning strain in his vocals. Nonetheless, this was a particular highlight of the set, a deeply emotional performance that received rapturous applause and whooping from the crowd.
After such a subdued mood, Neon Trees were quick to pick up the pace again, launching into the jazzy intro of “In The Next Room” – this varying up of sound something that was evident for the whole set and a testament to the group’s diversity in songwriting.
The encore featured a cover of The Human League’s classic hit “Don’t You Want Me,” setting the crowd into a communal sing-along worthy of any retro night dancefloor. As expected, “Everybody talks” provided a strong, uplifting finish.
It was clear by the end of the set that Neon Trees are no one-hit wonder. Provided Glenn’s vocal chords remain in check, there will be no surprises when the group come up with more pop rock gold in the future.
