In a night that showcased the very best of Australia's indie music scene, Ball Park Music and Lime Cordiale delivered a double-header that will be remembered as one of the standout concerts of the year.
Both bands brought their signature styles – Ball Park Music with their euphoric nerd-angst-ridden anthems and tongue-in-cheek charm; and Lime Cordiale with their infectious grooves and playful energy – to create a celebration of sound that had the crowd singing, dancing, and connecting on a deeply communal level.Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the evening (5 October) was the playful rivalry sparked by the two bands ahead of the tour. This played out as Lime Cordiale teased Ball Park Music, accusing them of stealing the bassline from their track 'Coming Down' and reusing it on 'Inappropriate Behaviour'.
Ollie of Lime Cordiale jokingly stirred the pot in an interview with us, saying: "That wasn't fake. They f...ing suck. I hate them," only for his brother Louis to clarify that Ball Park Music was fully onboard with the mock feud.
Ball Park Music's set at Adelaide Entertainment Centre was a euphoric wall of glittering sound, as the band delivered a performance of passion, humour, and anthemic nerd rock in equal measure. From the moment they kicked off with the boisterous energy of 'Cocaine Lion' the audience was swept up in a wave of joyous enthusiasm.
Ball Park Music - image © Michael Lockheart
The band's connection with their fans was undeniable, with voices rising to meet the lyrics of each song, often overpowering the PA system, a testament to the loyal following they’ve cultivated. Tracks like 'Everything Is Sh.t Except My Friendship With You' and 'Stars In My Eyes' continued to charge the atmosphere with infectious energy.
Frontman Sam Cromack, ever the charismatic performer, commanded the stage with playful ease, his cheeky grin never far from his lips. He navigated between moments of high-octane rock and more introspective moments with effortless charm.
'I Feel Nothing' stood out for its contrast, lyrically leaning into a sense of ironic self-pity, yet paired with a thrashy musical backdrop that gave the song a sly comedic edge. Cromack's perpetual smirk only heightened this effect, turning the performance into something as amusing as it was impactful.
Ball Park Music - image © Michael Lockheart
The set was not without its lighter, more tender moments. 'Exactly How You Are' and 'Like Love' brought a heartfelt change in pace, while 'Trippin' The Light Fantastic' introduced a dreamy quality that showcased the band's versatility.
Still, they never lost the playful spirit that runs through their music, especially when they hit the arena-rock pomp of 'Spark Up!', Cromack, once again, embraced the theatrics – guitar slung low, hips cocked – as the band leaned into the mockery of tired rock star poses, all while backing it up with serious musicianship.
As the set moved through hits like 'Sunscreen' and 'She Only Loves Me When I'm There', the energy continued to swell. The crowd's engagement unrelenting, their collective voice becoming an integral part of the performance. In part, one can't help but marvel at the band's uncanny ability to churn out instantly memorable anthems that bring a smile to the face.
Their time on stage reached an emotional peak with 'It's Nice To Be Alive', a track that seemed to summarise the uplifting, communal spirit of the entire show, the live music experience in general and life. Bathed in a soft pink glow, the performance of 'Cherub' brought the set to a close, with delicate vocal lines and harmonies filling the room, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the otherwise high-energy proceedings.
Ball Park Music - image © Michael Lockheart
As only Ball Park Music can, theirs is a show that is equal parts humour, heart, and raw rock power. Their ability to move seamlessly between playful antics and earnest songwriting made for a deeply engaging night, leaving their fans as elated as ever and wanting for more.
Lime Cordiale then had the unenviable task of following this masterclass, which they delivered in spades. Opening with 'Pedestal', they set the tone with upbeat rhythms and tight harmonies, drawing the audience in from the first note.
Their seamless transition into 'Temper Temper' had the crowd singing along, setting a lively atmosphere that carried throughout the night. 'Facts Of Life' and 'Naturally' continued the momentum, with the band's playful banter and engaging chemistry on full display.
Lime Cordiale - image © Michael Lockheart
Hits like 'Dirt Cheap' and 'Money' were met with enthusiastic cheers and a near-overpowering sing-along response, but it was the emotional depth of tracks like 'Imposter Syndrome' and 'Risky Love' that resonated and added a real depth to the otherwise light-hearted pop-rock charm.
These songs highlighted the band's growth, both lyrically and musically, while still keeping the fun and laidback vibe that fans clearly love. The encore, featuring 'Waking Up Easy', 'Robbery' and 'Inappropriate Behaviour', was a high-energy conclusion to the night. 'Robbery' in particular had the room bouncing, with its infectious groove and catchy chorus.
One of the standout moments of the night was their cover of Divinyls' 'I Touch Myself', which added a playful twist to the set. The band's interpretation of the iconic track was both respectful and fresh, injecting their own flavour while still paying homage to the original.
Ball Park Music - image © Michael Lockheart
Overall, Lime Cordiale in Adelaide proved why they're among Australia's most beloved indie acts and likely will be for some time to come. Their ability to blend light-hearted, feel-good tracks with more introspective moments made for a balanced and memorable performance.
With Ball Park Music as their touring companions, this show was truly an inclusive celebration of Australian indie music at its absolute peak and likely to be on many a fan's cards as show of the year.
More photos from the concert.
