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Two Door Cinema Club

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
+ Declan McKenna
@ Sydney Opera House Forecourt,
Sydney,
6th December 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Dan Gray

Photos (Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024) by Adrian Thomson (@_awii_)

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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In preparation for this concert I felt a mix of emotions, I was mostly excited but very curious, curious about how a world class band would sound playing next to Sydney Harbour, curious about the live show, the fans, but mostly curious about what these world class musicians had to offer on a Friday night in Sydney’s Opera House Forecourt.

The first act of the night was England’s Declan McKenna. In amongst an array of strobe lights and psychedelic visuals, McKenna played a collection of fun and refreshing songs that were truly entertaining to watch. As the clock struck 7:15pm McKenna and his fellow English musicians entered the stage, Declan’s choice of suit, unhinged vocal delivery and eagerness on stage was intriguing and refreshing. To tell you the truth, I had only listened to this band for the first time a few hours prior however their English presence was intoxicating. They had a profound musical statement to make.

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DECLAN MCKENNA, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Opening with ‘That’s Life’, an upbeat piano riff begun, the singing here was unapologetic and honest- like a gem from the 80s the band allowed their vocals to impulsively soar, ‘If you really want to know how it works, get in line, thats life’ McKenna sung; with thunderous drums and relatable lyrics the crowd were invested from the first few notes.

Every note they played was done together with intention. Their ability to strike a balance between genres and styles was best displayed in their fifth song Mezzanine; undoubtedly one of the most impressive songs of the set, what started as a soft acoustic ballad formed into a intense drum and synth adventure, whilst the song built in intensity, Declan took this chance to walk to the left of the stage and rile up the audience in front of the big screen, playing a little guitar solo along the way. And then very unexpectedly they launched straight into the most infectious dance groove man has heard. It was remarkable.

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DECLAN MCKENNA, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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The song ‘Be An Astronaut’ made me consider if we were witnessing the next Elton John or a lost gem from the 80s who had come back to finish his earthly duties, they came back thats for sure. During this time Declan took off his tie and wrapped it around his head, he walked to the side of stage in front of the big screen and danced awkwardly with the audience as political messages were displayed on the screen behind him.

The band felt very nostalgic yet extremely relevant, whether it was the unconventional song structures or driving beats it was hard not to enjoy these fun songs. Declan and the band showed to everybody that they have an amazing collection of songs, it never felt overdone or boring but rather fresh and exciting.

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Ireland natives, Two Door Cinema Club were up next, as the sun set on Sydney Harbour and darkness loomed, a sold out crowd began to pack into the Opera House Forecourt. The lights went down and a rose appeared on screen to symbolise the beginning of Two Door Cinema Club’s show. The band seemed very comfortable and humbly showed their experience, ‘No One Can Talk’ instantly resonated with its off kilter dance groove, this tune was a mature extension from Declan McKenna, faster, more precise perhaps with hypnotic visuals of different faces and shapes accompanying the music nicely. The vocals in Sleep Alone provided a chance for the crowd to sing along, it was well received as the band let a melancholic wail out.

Although I didn’t find Two Door Cinema Club’s songs to be as impactful as Declan McKenna’s had been, the musicianship and individual performances were very well rehearsed. The band shined when they started to move out of their conventional song structure and explore some more jam-driven sections, some more variety in there song selection would have benefited them. The stage setup showcased the drummer in the far right corner of the stage making him and his unwavering energy clearly visible, a highlight of the night.

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Drummer and co had the crowd moving, chanting, singing and even hanging out on friend’s shoulders. At one point (I was standing next to the sound booth) half a dozen people behind me were on people’s shoulders, which is pretty unique and impressive. During the second last track ‘Sun’ lead guitarist Sam Halliday jumped on the drummers bass drum and stood there for a few moments.

Two Door Cinema Club were not as dynamic and creative as Declan McKenna however, songs like What You Know (which has almost 1 billion streams on Spotify) resonated with an energetic crowd. For more than a brief moment they turned the Opera House forecourt into an intense indie rock disco.

Check out Amnplify’s Instagram (HERE) for a in person video review :)

4/5

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Check out Adrian Thomson’s (@_awii_) full gallery of the Perth event (Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024) HERE

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DECLAN MCKENNA, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK – TIKTOK
SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC – YOUTUBE

DECLAN MCKENNA
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK – TIKTOK
SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC – YOUTUBE

LIVE NATION
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM

SECRET SOUNDS
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM

HOW GOOD
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Ice Cream Factory, Perth, 4th December 2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Press Release 24th September 2024 (below) HERE

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
& DECLAN McKENNA
team up for Australian Tour
in December
with special guest
SOFT LAUNCH

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Two Door Cinema Club

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TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
& DECLAN MCKENNA
Australian Tour Dates

Wed 4 Dec – Ice Cream Factory, Perth
Fri 6 Dec – Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
Sun 8 Dec – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Tues 10 Dec – University of Wollongong Gardens, Wollongong
Thurs 12 Dec – The Station, Sunshine Coast
Fri 13 Dec – Riverstage, Brisbane
Sat 14 Dec – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle

General public tickets on sale here

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AMNPLIFY – DB