Project Description

EDEN

@ 170 Russell

24/06/18 (Live Review)

Reviewer: Kelsey Hentschel

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Dublin-based neo-electronic, new-age pop act EDEN finally announced the extension of his vertigo world tour to now play Australia and New Zealand this June following sold out dates across the U.S.

AMNplify was lucky enough to have a writer at the Melbourne show to give us a low-down on the night.

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On Sunday 24th of June, Jonathon Ng, known professionally as EDEN, preformed a sold out gig at Melbourne’s 170 Russell.

EDEN is an Irish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He formerly operated as The Eden Project, an alias that was discontinued in 2015.

After announcing that he would be bringing the acclaimed neo-electronic pop to Australia this year as part of his Vertigo world tour, the shows swiftly sold out as long time fans were eager to see the musician live.

The show kicked off with the ambient track ‘Wrong’, the crowd was visibly elated. I found the layout of the stage rather curious, as the singer was positioned to the left of the stage, and the keyboard player perched on a platform centre stage.

Eden made use of the stage by moving around from track to track, to the additional instruments placed around the stage. It was like a high-tech game of musical chairs.

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While the audience were very supportive in their cheers, I will comment on my disappointment in regard to the set-list. EDEN played songs primarily off his debut album, with none of his well known hits like ‘Drugs’ & ‘Sex’.

I also found myself wishing that the stage was lit in a way so I could actually see the performance happening in front of me. While I understand and respect the creative decision to have the show backlit, to feature predominantly silhouettes, I felt the effect could have taken a break for one or two tracks.

Now for the good bits, The vocal, and instrumental talent that EDEN exudes in a live capacity is breathtaking. If I had my eyes closed I could’ve sworn I was listening to the recorded versions, but better. Exceptional delivery of the tracks.

The crowd favourite appeared to be ‘Rock + Roll’, one of the few tracks the artist actually played off his EP’s. The audience were clearly thrilled, singing along loudly to every word.

The night concluded with the song ‘Falling In Reverse’, and with no encore, that was it. I felt released from my captivating bubble as the masses of fans poured back onto the streets of Melbourne. It was over before we knew it. Overall a beautiful night.

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