As the sun dipped below the horizon and The Riverstage in Brisbane transformed into a pulsating playground of soft lights and eager chatter, Rex Orange County took to the stage (22 September) and immediately set the tone for what was to come.
Opening with 'Television / So Far So Good', the atmosphere was one of collective expectation. The crowd – varying in age, but not in enthusiasm – seemed to take a collective breath, ready to plunge into the emotional and musical journey laid out by the British singer-songwriter.Rex, still basking in the success of his chart-topping 2022 album 'WHO CARES?', showed everyone present why he's much more than a fleeting moment on the music scene.
This was going to be an emotional roller coaster, set to a soundtrack of groove-infused, indie-pop music that makes you feel and dance, often at the same time.
Image © Jared Hinz
The energy in the venue kicked up several notches when Rex launched into '10/10'. Foot-stomping, head-bobbing, and pure joy spread like wildfire through the crowd.
However, the evening wasn't just about the popular hits heard on the radio. Fresh gems like 'AMAZING', 'THE SHADE,' and 'KEEP IT UP' from 'WHO CARES?' also had their time in the spotlight.
Whether it was the poignant lyrics or the infectious melodies, these songs sounded like anthems we've known for years – even if some of them have only been out for a short while.
Alongside these newer hits, Rex made sure to pay homage to the tracks that have made him a fan favourite over the years. Songs like 'Edition' and 'Corduroy Dreams' might not make the Billboard headlines, but they've cemented Rex's reputation as an artist capable of capturing the nuanced emotions that make us human.
Image © Jared Hinz
And in a live setting, these songs felt like intimate love letters, nodding appreciatively to the fans who've been riding shotgun on this journey right from the start.
One of the remarkable things about a Rex Orange County concert is how the energy ebbs and flows in perfect harmony with the set list. The mood perceptibly shifted with songs like '4 Seasons' and 'Untitled', offering a much-needed respite from the upbeat numbers.
These slower, more introspective songs came off as the emotional core of the evening. Rex has a unique ability to make the audience dance like no one's watching and then, almost in the same breath, bring everyone to a standstill – captured by raw emotions and the unspoken understanding that everyone in that space is sharing the same emotional moment.
Finally, as the poignant strains of 'It's Not the Same Anymore' filled the air, the curtain fell on an evening that seemed to suspend time.
Image © Jared Hinz
Capping off the night, 'Pluto Projector' acted as a cathartic encore. As the first notes hit the air, the crowd shifted again, but this time toward a blend of reflection and jubilation.
The Riverstage seemed to transform into an open-air cathedral, each note and lyric echoing with a mix of euphoria and nostalgia. With this song, Rex flicked a switch, seamlessly merging sound and sentiment into an unforgettable climax.
Judging by the energy and turnout in Brisbane, there's no doubt that this is just the beginning for him. Rex's unique blend of emotional honesty and pure musical joy makes for a can't miss experience – a kind of heartfelt spectacle that sticks with you long after you've left the venue.
It's the kind of night that, like a Rex Orange County lyric, imprints itself into every corner of your heart, eagerly waiting for the next time he rolls into town.
More photos from the show.
- written by Jared Hinz
