alt-J at Northcote Theatre
alt-J celebrate 10 years of An Awesome Wave with a stunning show at Northcote Theatre
alt-J are one of those bands that have a loyal and passionate fanbase, and for a damn good reason. Their debut album, An Awesome Wave, was a masterpiece of indie rock that blended folk, electronic, and experimental elements into a unique and captivating sound. The album won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2012 and went on to sell over a million copies worldwide. To mark the 10th anniversary of the album in 2022, the band decided to treat their fans to a special tour where they would play the entire album from start to finish, with some bonus tracks and fan favourites thrown in for good measure. Performing two special nights in Sydney and Melbourne, alt-J kicked off these shows, and embraced the warm welcome they have always received in Australia.
Before alt-J came on, the crowd was treated to an energetic and entertaining opening act by Royel Otis, a Sydney indie-rock band that has been making waves in the scene, elevated by Spotify’s RADAR partnership. The band played a tight set that showcased their catchy hooks, witty lyrics and infectious charisma. Popular songs like Bull Breed, Motels, and Going Kokomo had the crowd won over, while new track Sofa King took things to new heights. Closing the set with Razor Teeth, Kool Aid and Oysters in my Pocket, Royel Otis proved themselves a worthy support act and won over some new fans in the process.
alt-J took to the stage at Northcote Theatre, packed with eager fans ready to relive the magic of An Awesome Wave. With the lights dimmed, the crowd cheered as alt-J members Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Sonny Green walked onstage and launched straight into Intro and Interlude I; setting the tone for the album and the evening. The band then proceeded to play every single track from An Awesome Wave, in order, while the audience listened to the album live with incredible intensity and emotion. The band, flawless in their execution, recreated the intricate and layered arrangements of their songs, using a variety of instruments and effects to create their signature sound.
The crowd, mesmerised and in a trance, hung on every word and sang along with every hook. Highlights from the album included the sultry Tessellate; their obsession-driven anthem Breezeblocks; Something Good, a melancholic and uplifting song about hope; Matilda, a tender and haunting tribute to the movie Leon; Fitzpleasure, a dark and explosive song about violence; Bloodflood, a chilling and atmospheric song about fear; and the beautifully written Taro. The album truly has something for everyone and we were in awe throughout the concert at how incredible it was to witness in its entirety.
As the band performed Hand-Made, the last track from the (deluxe) album, the band took the time to thank the crowd for their support and let them quietly know the evening was not over just yet. Performing songs from their latest album as well as hits from their full catalogue, alt-J worked their way through Chicago, Deadcrush, U&ME (inspired by Joe’s experience at Coburg Velodrome), and The Gospel of John Hurt. Closing out the main part of the set with crowd-favourites Every Other Freckle and In Cold Blood, the band soon returned to deliver even more magic with an encore of Hard Drive Gold and Left Hand Free.
alt-J delivered an unforgettable show that honoured their debut album and showcased all of their evolutions as a band. It was an awesome wave indeed.