18 August 2023 – The Triffid, Brisbane – review by Luci Scott
Stepping into The Triffid on that Friday night felt like crossing into a realm where music was more than just sound – it was an experience, a journey, a thrill to be lived. The anticipation hung in the air, a tangible excitement that was as electric as it was infectious. This wasn’t just any concert; it was the sold-out Loveless show, a night that would etch its memories in the hearts of fans for years to come.
The mere fact that Loveless, the sensational band I’ve admired through their epic TikTok cover videos, had made their way to Australia was beyond my wildest dreams. From the moment they dropped their LP Loveless I back in 2021, their music had woven itself into the fabric of my days. And when “End of an Era” graced our ears last September, it solidified their place as a band that resonated deep within my soul. Loveless is more than just their albums and cover videos; they also have had a bunch of collaborations, harmonizing their talent with artists like Ryan Oakes, Arrows in Action, Magnolia Park, and The Word Alive. And this year, the thrill was renewed with the release of ‘Drag Me Down’ and ‘I Hope I’m Not Sick’ – a double hit of musical adrenaline that had me counting down the days till their Australian tour.
Navigating through the traffic to get to The Triffid was an adventure in itself. There was a small worry that we might miss out, but fate intervened. The doors, meant to open at 7pm, were still shut when we arrived at 8. Whispers in the line suggested a quirky mishap – Loveless’s drum pad, the controller of their click/tracks, had gone on a little adventure itself. A quick soundcheck and the promise of a 9pm start only added to the intrigue.
Finally stepping inside, the reality hit me – The Triffid was overflowing with Loveless enthusiasts. The sheer number of people was staggering, a testament to Loveless’s undeniable appeal. Even amidst sold-out shows, there’s usually a pocket of breathing space, but not this time. The energy was palpable, the enthusiasm infectious, as fans gathered to witness the magic.
The night kicked off with Closure, a band that set the stage ablaze with their electrifying performance. As Lucy’s vocals soared and filled the venue, there was an undeniable energy that coursed through their music. Their sound resonated with the crowd, drawing us into their world and setting the perfect tone for the evening. Despite being met with anticipation for Loveless, Closure delivered a performance that left its mark on the audience, a testament to their musical prowess.
As Loveless graced the stage with ‘Haunting Me’ it was like an electric current surged through the crowd. Hearing their songs live was an entirely different level of ecstasy – it was like the music was no longer contained within headphones but was reverberating through our very veins.
‘I Hope I’m Not Sick’ followed, and Julian’s energy was magnetic. It was a performance that didn’t just showcase their musical prowess; it was a display of their passion, their dedication, their sheer love for what they do. It was a performance that encapsulated the essence of Loveless and left the audience craving more.
Midway through the set, Julian’s honesty shone through as they admitted to feeling under the weather. But that didn’t deter him; he soldiered on, and it was this dedication that added another layer to the already awe-inspiring performance. Song after song, Loveless painted a vivid tapestry of emotions, inviting the audience to join in, to be a part of the music, to become one with the rhythm and the lyrics.
The evening climaxed with a flurry of hits – ‘Someone Else’, ‘Lighthouse’, ‘Worst Case Scenario’ and ‘Drag Me Down’. The energy was infectious, the atmosphere alive with an undeniable vibrancy. Each note, each lyric, was a celebration of Loveless’s journey, a testament to their musical evolution.
And as the night drew to a close, the echoes of Loveless’s performance lingered, a memory etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to be there. This was more than a concert; it was an experience, a shared moment of joy, passion, and unity. Loveless’s sold-out show at The Triffid was a reminder of the power of music to connect, to inspire, and to transcend. It was a night that left us yearning for more, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Loveless’s musical journey.