With their late addition to Groovin The Moo and a sprout of headline shows appearing, an instant buzz formed around the return of Nothing But Thieves (NBT) to Australia.
Back touring their latest single 'Welcome To The DCC', NBT brought their powerful live show to The Fortitude Music Hall on a Wednesday night (26 April).With the venue's mezzanine curtains drawn closed, a mass of punters squeezed around the barricade creating a comforting and intimate vibe, something of a change compared to other bands shows at the venue. It felt more exclusive than your average gig, like the Essex rockers were there just for you.
A soft chant of "Full Flower Moon Band" introduced the crowd to the Brisbane five-piece opening act.
Lead singer Babyshakes Dillon led the band with ethereal lyrics and charismatic dancing, strutting up and down the crowded stage. The coordinated head-banging of the band spearheaded the funky vibe, accompanied by booming drums and repetitive entrancing guitar riffs.
Full Flower Moon Band - image © Harrison Innes
"What a healthy and beautiful crowd!" It didn't take long for the crowd to catch onto the band's motif, soon dancing and bobbing along to each tune.
'Roadie' garnered crowd attention with a more familiar tune. Before the provoking openers came to an end, one last "Full Flower Moon Band" chant left the crowd with the indie act's name in their mouth.
A flash of strobing red light brought on a huge roar of crowd excitement, growing ever louder as the headliners paraded onto the stage.
Nothing But Thieves' opening track 'Futureproof' immediately set the the mood as the passionate front row poured out every lyric they knew. Seeing the crowd's eager excitement with their own eyes, frontman Conor started to play with the crowd, constantly turning the mic to let the adoring fans take the lead in songs.
Nothing But Thieves - image © Harrison Innes
"This song is for you!" 'Real Love Song' was a clear crowd favourite with its piano chords crashing down and flowing over the crowded hall. A chorus of fan voices chanted the track's verses, allowing Conor sit back with a smile on his face.
Nothing But Thieves is not a new band by any means, around now for over 11 years, and the level of professionalism is never left to question. Conor's soaring vocals age like a fine wine on older tracks like 'Trip Switch' and 'I Was Not Made By Design', while the band's motivated energy was led by guitarist Joe Langridge-Brown who thrashed around the stage.
The five piece have a profoundly emotional connection to their fans that's well and truly reciprocated – moments like the crowd filling in for Conor's missed lines showed just how deep this connection runs.
'Welcome To The DCC' made its appearance in a well-earned encore, as NBT indulged fans with a live debut of 'City Haunts' – a track off their new record. This near futuristic banger had pockets of the crowd losing it, with the excitement of new music pulsing through their veins.
Nothing But Thieves - image © Harrison Innes
"This song always goes down well, even when our crowd isn't as half as beautiful as you!" Bringing the spectacle of a show to a close, crowd favourite 'Amsterdam' accompanied by an emotional encore performance of 'Impossible' closed out the long awaited headline set on the perfect note.
Thanking fans for their voices and energy, Conor handed out set lists to a lucky few in the front row. With an announcement of another Australian tour in 2024, Nothing But Thieves finally scratched the itch Brisbane fans have had, leaving a sweet taste in the fans' mouths for what's to come.
More photos from the show.
