Another stunning evening in Brisbane sets the scene for Lorde to return to The Riverstage, which is bursting at its seams.
MUNA are so good it's hard to believe they're the support act. 'Number One Fan' gets the already lined up against the barrier crowd roaring.'Taken' is sentimental with a country twang, as Katie Gavin sings "dad left when I was 11".
"Are you guys f...ing excited for tonight?" she asks to ecstatic screams. 'Home By Now' returns to the '80s pop-rock we expect from MUNA. The drumkick hits you in the chest and the lyrics hit you in the heart.
The guitarists jump in unison, as Gavin's vocals are heartbreaking and flawless. 'I Know A Place' unites the crowd, and is sadly the only song from the 'About U' album.
Finally it is time. Five, long years have elapsed before Lorde's triumphant Australian return tonight (8 March).
'Sun King' by The Beatles plays, before the lights and the back-sheet drop suddenly.
The stage features a wooden staircase, wooden cylinder with an opaque covering, and a wooden ramp atop that is shaped curiously like a spliff.
Lorde stands behind the cylinder, her silhouette shining upon the face as 'Leader Of A New Regime' plays, soft and acoustic, luring you in.
'Homemade Dynamite' explodes the crowd and the music is barely audible over their screaming.
'Buzzcut Season' turns the stage pink, and the lights pulse with the beat. The memories start flooding back. As the song ends, the ramp rotates, and Lorde sits in front of the cylinder.
"Meanjin, welcome to the 'Solar Power' tour," she speaks. "It's Wednesday right? That's a good night for a dance. I'm going to sweat my entire face of make-up off. But right now, are you ready to cry?"
'Stoned At The Nail Salon' plays as the screen glows in the shape of a blue orb. Lorde wears pink satin pants and bra and a white oversize shirt.
The stage floods red as the band members stand in rows, three a-piece. Lorde climbs the ramp halfway. The set is a visual masterpiece.
Almost suddenly, Lorde has changed into a yellow sundress with bare midriff. She and the band stand in a line and sway in opposite directions, painstakingly slowly, before 'The Path' bursts forth like a dawn.
'California' begins with Lorde lying on the ground, and the orb appearing as a sun in blue sky.
"I wrote this song when I was 15, and tonight I am 26 years old. Which means you have been dancing to this song for 10 years. Do you want to dance for our 15-year-old selves?"
'Ribs' begins. Lorde captures and conveys so much emotion, and her songs are heartbreaking time capsules to another place.
"I just want to know and see someone to love and for them to know me and see me as well," she shares vulnerably to lead into 'The Louvre'. The heartbeat drums pulse and heartbreak is real and bittersweet.
'Big Star' is touching, before 'LiabilitY' wrecks everyone.
"It's been five years Brisbane. So much has changed. I conquered my stage fright. I thought I'd become an adult and never make mistakes again. The truth is I'm as f...ing crazy as I ever was." There are many wet eyes in the crowd.
A silhouette of Lorde undressing shows behind the cylinder. She re-emerges wearing a golden Cinderella dress with massively puffed hips, and a middle split from waist to feet.
'Tennis Court' is as good as ever, before 'Mood Rings' proves a crowd favourite beneath blue and purple lights. It is all similar to being in a dream, it feels warm and familiar, time passes quickly, and you definitely do not want to leave.
'Supercut' is incredible and dancey and life is amazing, before 'Perfect Places' continues the manner. "When I'm dancing, I'm alright," Lorde sings and it is true, everything is alright.
After a lengthy monologue about a perfect summer day, 'Solar Power' begins with the orb taking a solar glow.
'Hine-i-te-Awatea/Oceanic Feeling' concludes the set with an island vibe, and are we really about to wake up?
The orb takes a moon glow as another costume ensues for the encore. This time, Lorde wears a black ball gown, and sings 'Royals' sideways in front of the cylinder.
'Team' closes the show. "Brisbane, you have made me so f...ing happy," Lorde shares, and far too soon, she is gone.
Hopefully, it is not another five years before we experience the pure joy of this dream again.
