The winter chill teases the air around Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, but inside it feels sensual and warm as anticipation builds for Teddy Swims.
Australia's favourite gospel daughter Meg Mac kicks off the night (11 July) with her powerhouse vocals and earworm songs. Australia's son of soul Matt Corby joins to debut their new song 'Bricks', which is well received.The DJ plays a slew of early 2000s hits. 'Pony' draws the biggest cheer as the air fills with smoke over the packed out crowd. The lights go down as the song yells "jump!", the crowd moving obligingly.
Red-light sticks pulse on the stage, as sad violin drawls out before computer sounds oscillate up and down. The crowd erupts as Swims enters to fireworks behind him. That has to be the earliest pyrotechnics in a show ever.
He sings 'Goodbye's Been Good To You', rolling off vocals licks like breathing. The drums pulse and trill, heavy tom thuds. A frenetic synth organ solo rings out before one guitarist shreds away. Swims ends the song with a guttural scream.
Teddy Swims @ The Riverstage (Brisbane) 9 July, 2024 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
He moves straight into 'What More Can I Say'. The song features some slick instrumental stabs, before entering a dreamy, pad-infused land. The lights cut out suddenly as Swims asks: "Sydney, how the f... we feeling tonight?" The drums thud right into 'Broke', as the lights pulse green and blue. Dollar signs flash across the giant LED rise on the stage.
"I'm probably gunna cry a couple of times this evening," Swims confesses at the song's conclusion. "Sorry if I ruin your favourite song," he apologises endearingly before declaring, "these are my best friends up here onstage with me. I love you so much, thank you for having us."
'911' simmers along nicely under purple lights before turning blue. The light show is something to see. 'Dose' rolls in smoothly with its infectious melody. Swims rolls through his vocals with ease, gesturing and smiling at the crowd.
"I only have one rule," he announces. "Everyone say, 'I will stay with it'. Make sure you stay hydrated and check on your friends."
Teddy Swims @ The Riverstage (Brisbane) 9 July, 2024 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
He sings new song 'Hammer To The Heart', a heavy number with a fat gospel sound, before sighting an 'It's my birthday' sign in the crowd. "This song is about how much I love you. Happy f...ing birthday," he says for 'All That Really Matters'. The song brings an electronic edge as the crowd sings "find someone who will be there for you, that's all that really matters in the end," with the passion of a football crowd.
Swims jumps off the foldback as streamers burst over the audience. He came with a show tonight. Swims then introduces his drummer DeAndre Hemby who smacks his kit ferociously, before a joker laugh plays. He beats straight into 'Devil In A Dress' as flames shoot from the back of the red-lit stage.
Swims plays another new song 'Funeral', which starts with sad strings. The lights shine behind the stage like stained-glass windows, as the song is cohesive and warm. "This song is about drinking which I really like to do," Swims introduces 'Apple Juice' that bursts under sunset lights.
"If you have your phone in your hand, text a friend you haven't seen in awhile," Swims begins to get sentimental. "Thank you for having us back. Look at this! We don't even get this in America," he marvels. "You love us so much more than Ol' stinky America," he spouts, laughing at his own gall. The crowd cheer.
"This is called 'Simple Things'," he says, as white backlights sparkle for the emotional tune. 'Amazing' follows accompanied only by piano, and Swim's softer songwriting shines.
"Listen up, what I'm gunna say is gunna be a blessing to you," he declares, well into his emotions now. "I've learned to let people go and to accept things I can't control. So this is my favourite song in the world." 'Some Things I'll Never Know' plays, as a single white light cuts through the darkness, beaming down on Swims. His voice shines, the gravelly edge carrying deep emotion, as heads lean on shoulders around the room.
Teddy Swims @ The Riverstage (Brisbane) 9 July, 2024 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
He plays fan favourite cover 'You're Still The One', which is cut short due to a crowd member requiring assistance. Swims picks the show up by doing a shoey from his own white shoe. "Start the song," he commands as he downs the majority. 'Bed On Fire' closes the regular set with fireworks raining down onto the stage.
'Tell Me' starts the encore on a sad edge, closing with gently chorded piano. 'Lose Control' starts with a guitar solo that slices the air. The crowd sing every word, their attempted vocal runs endearingly messy. It's certainly a song that you leave humming.
'The Door' closes the set, as one last explosion of pink confetti is released over the crowd. "Thank you!" Swims declares boisterously before exiting.
Energetic and conversational, Teddy Swims is a showman. However, it's his voice that speaks louder than anything. Undoubtedly crafted over years of dedication, it conveys a depth of emotion effortlessly – and his sold-out shows speak volumes.
