The Midnight returned to Australia last night for their second tour down under, opening the Time Machines run with a Thursday night show at Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall.
With a full house in attendance (29 January), the band wasted no time in reminding audiences why their live shows have become so popular, delivering a performance that felt both polished and warmly familiar.
There was an immediate sense of comfort in the room, helped by a crowd that spanned multiple age groups. Long-time fans stood shoulder to shoulder with younger listeners discovering the band in real time, all united by the same nostalgic synths.
Just as noticeable was the lack of phones filming the show. Instead of documenting every moment, the audience seemed happy to simply be present, enjoying the music, the company, and the rare pleasure of a Thursday night that felt unrushed.
The Fortitude Music Hall once again proved itself a great venue for the band's sound, with sweeping synths filling the room with ease, while the band's signature saxophone lines soared with clarity.
Image © Michelle Cop
The venue's lighting played a major role in shaping the atmosphere, washing the stage in rich neon tones that perfectly matched the retro-futuristic mood of the Time Machines tour. Combined with attentive, well organised staff, the night flowed smoothly from start to finish.
The set list struck a confident balance between hits, fan favourites, and material from the band's new album, 'Syndicate'. Crowd reactions peaked during beloved tracks like 'Gloria', 'The Comeback Kid', and 'Los Angeles', each met with instant recognition and enthusiastic sing-alongs.
These moments underscored the emotional connection the band has built with its audience, while the newer 'Syndicate' songs slotted in seamlessly, adding a fresh edge without disrupting the momentum.
Frontman Tyler Lyle was relaxed and engaging throughout the night, frequently acknowledging the crowd and reflecting on the band's return to Australia, a genuine reconnection with an audience that has continued to grow since their last visit.
Image © Michelle Cop
Visually, the show remained refined rather than overdone. Clean lighting cues and subtle visual elements enhanced the performance without distracting from the music, allowing both new material and established favourites to shine equally.
By the final stretch of the night, The Fortitude Music Hall was fully locked in, voices raised, bodies moving, and no one in a hurry to leave.
As opening nights go, Brisbane set the tone perfectly. With 'Syndicate' now part of the mix, The Midnight's second Australian tour feels less like a victory lap and more like an exciting next chapter.
- written by Michelle Cop
