Project Description

REX ORANGE COUNTY

@ 170 Russell

06/02/19

(Live Review)

Reviewer: Kelsey Hentschel

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In case you weren’t aware, the 19-year-old is a talent to be in awe of.  Alex O’Connor — who performs as Rex Orange County — has self-released two albums and several singles, which earned him the chance to work with Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean and Skepta. Last year he released his second album ‘Apricot Princess’ a stunning collection of jazzy, piano ballads and intimate love songs about his girlfriend and fellow artist, Thea Morgan-Murrell.

By the time the show kicks off, the fans at sold-out venue 170 Russell, aptly named after its address, are completely packed in and Rex ready for his moment in the limelight. I once read an interview, Rex mentioning that he doesn’t feel nerves, but more excitement – and it’s clear from the outset and throughout that this kid was born to be up on that stage. The title track from sophomore album ‘Apricot Princess’ kicks things off with Rex at the piano, as he sets the tone for the evening, funky and refreshingly honest. O’Connor is joined onstage by his band consisting of a trumpeter, saxophonist, drummer, and bassist. I was thrown by the unusual presence of the brass instruments at first but I’m so glad they were brought along.

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Next up is crowd favourite ‘Television/So Far So Good’, Rex’s charismatic personality shines through in this song. Rex had the whole crowd screaming along the line “What about me? What about me! What about me and you together, something that could really last forever!” As much as I hate the phrase, I can’t deny that the “good vibes” were flowing.

There’s so much fun to be had at a Rex Orange County gig. My favourite from the set was the bright uplifting bop ‘Sunflower’. It’s a gorgeous slice of indie-pop, as is my other favourite, ‘Best Friend’. His young audience respond by chanting, crooning and weeping along to each and every word.

Being O’Connor’s very first visit to Australia he was considerate to the fans, like me, who were less familiar with his entire discography than others in attendance, by playing his adored cover of Alicia Keys’ hit ‘No One’. I’m not exaggerating when I say the entire room was singing together in harmony!

Rex slows the pace and allows his fresh song writing talent to shine. ‘Untitled’, really captures the essence of Rex’s softer stylings. The track is a melancholy viciously honest ballad “And I don’t mind if you hate me/’Cause baby if I were you/I would probably hate me too”. Its in this song where Rex really flaunts his impressive vocal range, with an honourable mention going to the shockingly good display of the singers whistling skills.

O’Connor keeps up the gentle the pace with his song ‘A Song About Being Sad’ which is full of rich instrumentation that flits between bright, grandiose pop and subdued, polished R&B, aligning himself along the likes of Frank Ocean.

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It was impossible to not be captivated by the fast-paced performance closing out with an explosion of gold confetti and a keyboard climax on huge ballad ‘Happiness’.

Taking a quick break, the crowd relax slightly knowing fine well Rex would not leave without playing his #1 track. He uses the encore to play his single final song ‘Loving Is Easy’, which is accompanied by colourful rainbow confetti showering on the crowd this time only minutes after the gold confetti moment. The added brass section of his band gives this song a special element live. Filled with trumpet and saxophone additions the audience answer by screaming along with each-other louder than I thought possible. Going forward, I look forward to see what this kid brings us in 2019. His star potential is unmatched and by presenting himself up as this insanely talented and honest songwriter – Rex seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Having mentioned briefly during the set his promises to return to our shores in 2020, I can guarantee I will be jumping at the opportunity to purchase a ticket to see this legend again.

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SETLIST

APRICOT PRINCESS

TELEVISION/SO FAR SO GOOD

UNO

SYCAMORE GIRL

NO ONE (Alicia Keys Cover)

UNTITLED

A SONG ABOUT BEING SAD

CORDUROY DREAMS

SUNFLOWER

BEST FRIEND

HAPPINESS

LOVING IS EASY

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