During their first-ever U.S. tour, Aussie sensation Empire of the Sun played four sold-out shows in LA last week (August 11-14). These were shows that many (including yours truly) have been anticipating since they were announced. I danced at two of them.
Empire Of The Sun - Standing On The Shore.mp3 Empire Of The Sun – Standing On The Shore [MP3]
EOTS duo Luke Steele (of The Sleepy Jackson) and his album partner Nick Littlemore (of Pnau) released their debut album Walking on a Dream in 2008, so we were quite familiar with some of the tunes. Unfortunately, Littlemore isn’t touring and it would have been nice to see him there.
Bring on the colors! I’m drug-free, but boy did I feel like I was on an acid trip during this show. A huge backdrop of ever-changing visual effects complemented Steele and company, whose dramatic makeup and bright costumes captured everyone’s attention. This was a full-out orchestrated event where a lot of hard work paid off.
Four barefoot female dancers wearing unique masks and dressed in dazzling unitards walked gracefully out in front of Luke Steele, who stood on a risen platform surrounded by keyboards, while playing guitar. The dancers had a costume change for almost every song. My favorite look: what I call “the fishchicks.”
Steele had a wardrobe that would make all my boys in West Hollywood jealous. At one point, Steele even rolled up in a wheelchair sporting a huge clock around his neck. During the final show, he gave the clock to a fan in the front saying “here’s a little Flavor Flav.” Steele, as Hollywood’s shogun warrior, seemed much more comfortable on stage the final night. I’m not sure if they tweaked some sound, but his voice was much clearer this time around.
You know that Vizio commercial that has a song that sounds a lot like the Pet Shop Boys? EOTS’s “We are the People” was the third song of the brief 50-minute set with electronic/psychedelic sounds that commanded the entire theatre. This was a dance party and also a show you might call “Cirque du Steele.”
The floor was vibrating with heavy bass and I saw the packed house sway with grins on many faces. During the show, Steele made the night of three fans who drove from Washington by stating “nice shirt,” approving of their new EOTS t-shirts.
As I eventually made my way to the back of the room to have another angle, I noticed that the crowd in the back was not talking. Everyone was completely captivated.
“Walking on a Dream” was definitely the highlight of the night.
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream.mp3
Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream [MP3]
I hope they come visit us Yanks again.
MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP
