A Friday night at Brisbane's The Riverstage promised an unforgettable evening (13 December), with co-headliners Two Door Cinema Club and Declan McKenna ready to light up the stage.
Kicking off with a set from London-based band Soft Launch, the crowd's excitement built steadily as the venue filled up. By 7:15pm Declan McKenna took the stage, continuing on with his second Australian tour of the year with an energy that immediately got the crowd moving.Opening with the infectious 'Why Do You Feel So Down', McKenna's voice rang clear, and fans were quick to get into the groove, swaying and raising their arms as the song's catchy chorus played out.
The set list leaned heavily on hits from his celebrated albums, including 'Mezzanine', 'The Key To Life On Earth', and 'Nothing Works'. The young British singer-songwriter's ability to connect with his audience was clear, with the crowd enthusiastically singing along to every word.
Declan McKenna - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
As the set progressed, McKenna's performance grew even more intense. With his live band firing on all cylinders, the music felt even more expansive and vibrant than it does on record.
One of the night's highlights came with 'Champagne', which swelled into an orchestral finish, before McKenna launched straight into the iconic riff of 'Brazil'. The crowd went wild as arms shot up and fans hoisted each other onto their shoulders.
McKenna's impassioned delivery and the band's tight rhythm section made for a captivating rendition of this anthem, underscored by the stunning visuals and lighting that complemented the music perfectly.
However, McKenna wasn't done yet. His set carried through with anthems like 'British Bombs' and 'The Phantom Buzz (Kick In)', both of which added a touch of intensity and grit to the night. With each track, McKenna proved why he's one of the most exciting voices in modern indie rock.
Declan McKenna - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
As he wrapped up with a final flourish, the crowd was buzzing, ready for the main event. At 8:40pm, after a quick setup change, Two Door Cinema Club hit the stage for the first time in five years.
The Belfast trio, joined by their drummer and pianist, immediately commanded attention, kicking things off with 'This Is The Life'. From the first note, the crowd was on their feet, dancing and singing along to the band's signature indie-pop rhythms.
Two Door Cinema Club's set list was a journey through their greatest hits, with tracks like 'I Can Talk', 'Sure Enough', and 'Something Good Can Work' keeping the energy high.
The band, visibly excited to be back in Brisbane, took a moment to reflect on their long-awaited return, thanking the crowd for their enthusiasm. By 'Undercover Martyn', the entire venue was in sync, belting out the lyrics in unison. It was clear the five-year absence had only intensified the audience's love for the band.
Two Door Cinema Club - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
The weather decided to make its presence known with a sudden downpour around about an hour into the set, but that didn't stop the crowd from revelling in the music. Two Door Cinema Club were undeterred, asking the crowd "are you ready?" before launching into 'Cigarettes In The Theatre'.
The energy remained high, with fans dancing in the rain, celebrating the band's return. The set took a triumphant turn when 'Sun' hit the speakers. Lead singer Alex Trimble invited the crowd to sing-along to the iconic opening lines, and Brisbane responded with fervour.
The band's joy was palpable as they continued into 'What You Know', one of the most beloved indie anthems of the 2010s. The iconic guitar riff had the crowd in a frenzy, and it was clear that this moment was what fans had been waiting for.
As the song concluded, the band soaked in the applause, taking a well-deserved moment to appreciate the overwhelming love from the crowd. After a minute of standing in the spotlight, they waved goodbye and left the stage to a sea of cheers.
Two Door Cinema Club - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
Brisbane had just experienced an electrifying double header, one that left the audience with wide smiles and happy memories of a night where the music truly spoke for itself.
In short, Declan McKenna and Two Door Cinema Club delivered one of the most exciting live shows of the year – two incredible acts, each with their own unique energy, but both leaving the Brisbane crowd thoroughly satisfied and wanting more.
More photos from the concert.
