In a spellbinding and intimate evening filled with heart-felt lyrics and enchanting moments, Melbourne welcomed back the sensational Rex Orange County, to Melbourne for two big stadium shows at Margaret Court Arena.
First up was Grentperez, a multi-genre pop artist from Sydney, whose live shows are always a captivating experience from start to finish. From opening track Confusing Girl to Why I love You and Silver Lining, Grentperez’s performance seamlessly transitioned between happy and sad songs, all about ‘love and stuff’. The audience came prepared; dancing and singing along to every word – a unique feat not often seen in every support slot. The band brought a great fun energy to all of their live tracks, including the groovy Clementine, fast-paced Ego, and closing tracks Old With You and of course, Cherry Wine.
Now it was time for Rex Orange County (AKA Alexander O’Connor) to join the stage, with the evening commencing with an aura of mystery with a captivating solo performance from O’Connor. Draped in shadows and a single spotlight, he treated the audience to opening track Rex (Intro). As the first song came to an end, the curtains drew back to reveal the full band; the atmosphere transforming as they launched into back-to-back tracks of Television/So Far So Good, 10/10 and AMAZING. Addressing the audience for the first time that evening, Rex tells the Melbourne audience that he’s not particular well, but that the last thing he’d ever think to do was to cancel. You wouldn’t know it being at the show, with the charismatic lead singer dancing, running across the stage and pouring his heart and soul into each and every song. The one thing that was clear, was that Rex Orange County was very, very happy to be back in Melbourne.
The opening few songs in the setlist reflected each of his four albums released, and O’Connor took the time to thank the audience for their support, explaining the journey he plans to take them through his entire discography – both the album releases and the standalone singles – performing one of his favourites Sunflower next. With throwbacks to 2019’s Face to Face and some tracks ‘for the OG’s’ with Uno and Edition, the pace picked up for a proper dance party during THE SHADE and 4 Seasons – which aptly feels like four songs rolled into one. As the curtain closed mid-way through the set, we were eagerly awaiting what was next to come.
O’Connor walked back out to ask the crowd, asking ‘is it okay if I play some songs by myself now?’ With lights to the sky for Always, the solo segment of the show was welcomed by the crowd; the arena filled with a sense of vulnerability, connection and intimacy. The private serenade continued for Happiness and Untitled, as the audience were encouraged to spend time with those most loved and the people that made them happy. The solo component of the show concluded with Corduroy Dreams – the first song he ever wrote, and also a song that’s been played at every Rex Orange County show. The captivating stripped-back segment paid off and only further extended the personal connection held between the singer-songwriter and his adoring audience.
As the band return for their triumphant finale, the concert was in full swing with disco-balls as far as the eye could see. Asking the audience to give all of their energy, we gave 11/10 for KEEP IT UP and IF YOU WANT IT. The vibrant and joyful indie-pop continued with Never Enough and Best Friend as we put our phones away and enjoyed a special (and secret) moment that you can only experience in person. Closing out with Loving Is Easy, and our personal favourite It’s Not the Same Anymore, we are told Rex Orange County will come back to Melbourne some time soon – and we cannot wait.
The encore of Pluto Projector had us reminiscing on all of the sing-alongs, dancing and shared experiences that we’ve loved throughout the evening. From the euphoric highs to the somber lows, O’Connor’s authenticity shines through, making for an evening that those in attendance are unlikely to forget.