I love Karen O. There is no denying that she’s the queen of cool in the world of music today. And tonight she was back to prove to Sydney why – playing to a sell out crowd at the Hordern Pavillion – their largest show in the city to date.
But first up were Sydney’s Circle Pit. While I often wonder how the three piece (playing tonight as a five piece) gain high profile support spots such as this (none higher than the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, mind you), despite maintaining such a low profile, they always prove why they are chosen. Simply put: they are one of Sydney’s great underground rock bands, and deserve their time in the spotlight. And Jack and Angie, who lead the group, know just how to bask in it – before Circle Pit, they reached similar heights with Kiosk. But I’m unsure whether they’d ever gotten to play a stage or venue of this size – no wonder they’ve grown to a five piece. It didn’t quite feel right for them – but I suppose I’m just so used to seeing them in small venues – but wherever you have the chance to check them out, do so – venue big or small.
The sold out Hordern Pavilion became a tight squeeze, throbbing at its walls, as we eagerly awaited Karen O and co’s first appearance in Sydney in 3 years; the first since It’s Blitz lit up our iTunes collections. When she jumped onto the stage (literally), the set up burst into light and life – fairy lights covered the backdrop, with a giant eye floating in the middle, watching us all as the performance got underway.
They launched straight into “Phenomenon,” Nick Zinner’s guitar work coming in loud and proud, and Karen O dominating the stage like a force to be reckoned with. Latest single “Heads Will Roll” followed closely behind, and showed that the crowd knew every word to the new tracks. Always a good sign. But there was no focus album for the setlist, the band covering all the bases, keeping most of the fans in the room quite pleased. For one, “Black Tongue” off of Fever To Tell wasn’t far behind the newbie.
The highlight of the night came during “Skeletons”, when Karen O emerged from backstage with a freakishly amazing hat (Native American inspired?), as confetti fell from the sky. The eye became a moon, the lights stars, and we were granted a rest from the dance which had preceded it. But Karen O had no intention of slowing down – twirling twirling and twirling, until “Zero” blasted through the speakers.
Yes indeed, it was time to get our leather on. Which, in this case, was accompanied by more confetti, and giant eye balls thrown into the crowd. I think this might have topped the “Skeleton” experience, come to think of it.
“Cheated Hearts” brought the rather short main set to an end, but the roar of the crowd didn’t keep them backstage for too long. Karen O, triumphant, returned to the stage and proclaimed – “Are you ready for a summer love song Sydney?!” – this, of course, was “Maps” which she played acoustically (I believe the first time this song was EVER played acoustically was at the Enmore Theatre during their last visit – fun fact!) and was a beautiful moment. She went on to dedicate the song to Circle Pit, producer Nick Launay (who was in attendance), romance, and all the lovers in the crowd. Nice.
The biggest surprise of the night followed – that being the inclusion of “Art Star” – a wall of sound which was a joy to experience for us long time fans. The party starter “Date With The Night” followed, and closed the night out.
Karen O came to set the stage on fire, the crowd into a frenzy, and give the Hordern a night it would never forget. I think it’s fair to say this was achieved, leaving us all breathless, exhausted, and wanting more. And while some (myself included) may have indeed expected a few more tracks along the way, I don’t think we can complain. We had a blast on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs express, and can’t wait to do it again.
