It is 9pm and absolutely sweltering in Brisbane as Switchfoot take to the stage at The The Triffid in Brisbane.
Earlier, Nervous Light warmed the crowd, as they anticipate the first Australian show (31 January) in years for Switchfoot.Switchfoot enter the stage to romantic strings that quickly turn dissonant and mournful. A single yellow beam lights frontman Jon Foreman, as he launches into the chorus of 'Beloved' singing: "Like my doubts in orbit 'round the sun."
Suddenly the background is peach and pink, as he sings: "I need you like you need me." The kick drum pounds as Foreman articulates the band's joy at being back in Australia.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
The crowd claps as Foreman sings "maybe I'm the problem" from 'Stars'. The guitar riffs are heavy and catchy, and you suddenly remember why you like Switchfoot.
It's only the second song and Foreman is already at the front of the crowd, inciting energetic hand swinging. It's going to be a hell of a night.
'Oh Gravity' keeps the energy flowing with an intentional, strangled, off-key piano stomp featuring as a highlight, as another clap-along begins.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
"Can I be an honorary Aussie tonight?" Foreman asks, to rapturous response. 'Bull In A China Shop' plays, as he proceeds to walk through the crowd front to back and upstairs, stopping just short of jumping off the balcony.
"I find myself in the craziest places," he muses as the song ends, before sentimentally expressing his gratitude for playing to a full house. "I came here on exchange when I was 17, and I thought everyone had the coolest accent," he shares. "I tried to like Vegemite, but I never could. But what we have in common is insurmountably greater."
'If I Were You' commences with Foreman still high in the crowd, before an acoustic rendition makes its first appearance for the sprawling and touching 'Won't Let You Go'.
Foreman shares the band's mantra – "life is short, live it well" – as he plays the song of the same name "campfire style". The crowd sings every word and claps vigorously. It's a nice moment.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
'Native Tongue' brings the vibe back as the snare hits short and sharp. A slick and clear guitar solo rings out, in a memorable moment. For 'Fluorescent', the distorted guitar clicks chunkily, before the band goes all in. The drums and bass are tight, just how you want them to be.
Time for a cover and they've selected Modest Mouse's 'Float On'. It's strapping and smooth as the stage floods red. 'Where The Light Shines Through' is optimistic and fun, before 'Dark Horse' returns to fast and heavy, and the crowd loves it.
Disguised by a guitar intro, the distinct riff of 'Meant To Live' finally rings out, and the crowd goes off. 'Where I Belong' closes the regular set, and the end features a choppy vocal backing and pumping guitar as Foreman screams on pitch, but from deep within his soul. It's an unforgettable, inexplicable moment.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
They exit stage and return with an acoustic guitar. Foreman returns to the middle of the crowd, mic stand in tow, to play 'Only Hope'. It's beautiful and poignant, and the crowd chorus is remarkably in tune.
He stays put for half of 'Dare You To Move', before returning to the stage for the finale. Switchfoot are big, energetic and full of heart. Everyone leaves feeling satisfied.
More photos from the show.
