It's a balmy Sydney evening around Enmore Theatre, as the ready crowd awaits Aussie electropop princess Mallrat.
A hefty slew of openers warms up the night (3 April), which is part of the 2025 Great Southern Nights programme, as the deep bass shakes the walls. The stage stays black, except for three beams of white light as intriguing music plays.Finally Mallrat enters, her voice heavily affected as the synth sets a lush soundscape behind her that has you instantly feeling good. She is backed by a full band, and the drums set a particularly splendid groove.
"You ready Sydney," Mallrat asks and they certainly are. Still a silhouette, Mallrat dances around in her skirt and cut-off shirt, singing energetically. "Hello Sydney, how are you," she asks again. "I wasn't prepared for this to be such an emotional first two songs. I'm not gunna talk too much, I'm gunna compose myself," she laughs, "but I love you."
Mallrat - image © Cass Morris
The drums hit hard in the second verse of 'Surprise Me', the crowd singing every word as they bop up and down. An Azealia Banks' rap plays over the sound system and the party's in full swing.
"We are showing up for a Thursday," Mallrat declares. "The reason we are here is I spent a long time working on an album." The crowd cheer loudly. "I'm so glad you listened to it," Mallrat emotes.
'Pavement' has a '90s alt-pop vibe that has you instantly dancing. The song hits a steady climax, a delightful ride. 'Hocus Pocus' is energetic and danceable, but Mallrat has remained a silhouette, and it's a little disengaging.
'Ray Of Light' features some expressive vocalisations, and exceptional textures. Mallrat's production is world-class. 'Something For Somebody' is a sentimental and slow track, although the synth textures lay an expansive background.
"How is everyone," Mallrat checks in. "Oh my god, this is the most flustered I've been in ages!" A fan shares their tattoo of Mallrat's lyrics. "Thank you, that's beautiful," Mallrat responds, continuing, "this is the first show of the world tour, which is coo, coo bananas."
'Obsessed' features cool, layered textures, Mallrat's voice melancholic and dreamy. The song explodes with heavy kicks that shake the floor. 'The Worst Thing I Would Ever Do' is very retro and fun, Mallrat's vocals steaming over the lo-fi drums.
Mallrat - image © Cass Morris
"Groceries," Mallrat announces and the crowd are very excited. It's a classic song that's always enjoyable. The crowd singing along is a heartwarming moment and a set highlight, before 'R U High' keeps momentum rolling under flashing lights.
"I'm gunna try not to be too sappy, but I feel the best I've ever felt about my music. Thank you so much for being here," Mallrat shows her heart. She dedicates 'Horses' to her sister, who tragically passed away last year. The song is a deeply moving moment in time.
'Charlie' and 'Hideaway' close the encore to a set that leaves you warm and fuzzy. Mallrat's lighting choice to remain in the dark is regrettable, but the songs are sentimental and well crafted. She will only continue to climb.
More photos from the concert.
