Well that blew up quickly. About a year ago I saw MJ Lenderman at a small venue in Melbourne. He was here as part of Wednesday but also did some solo shows. The shows were amazing, primarily drawing from his excellent album in 'Boat Songs'. At the Melbourne show though he did play a few new songs that were to be part of his upcoming album. They were sensastional to be sure. Those songs were to on the groundbreaking album in 'Manning Fireworks', an album that deservedly received great acclaim. So much so that a year later he and his band The Wind were playing a sold out show at the iconic Sydney Opera House. I didn't think a venue like this suited a southern rock band, but thankfully Lenderman got the crowd to stand and then it felt like a true rock show. A great rock show to be sure. Naturally he gave us plenty from the new album, with songs like 'Wristwatch', 'On My Knees' and 'She's Leaving You' hitting the sweet spot. But we still got plenty of older stuff too. 'TLC Cage Match' was unmatched beauty, whilst 'Hangover Game' was as catchy as hell. They also performed their just released This is Lorelei cover. But my favourites were 'Rudolph, which was stretched out to an ecstatic jam and the deep cut in 'No Mercy', which closed the show and was just phenomenal. Encore was great too with a Neil Young cover. I was expecting 'Tastes Just Like It Costs', but perhaps they ran out of time. Lenderman is just an incredible talent. He really hits my sweet spot. Catchy songs, relatable lyrics, great guitar. It's the complete package. The Wind are great too. A true rocking band that compliment him perfectly. Special mention to slide guitarist Xandy Chelmis, part of Wednesday too, he adds that extra layer that make the band so special. A truly exceptional night.

Set List
Manning Fireworks 
Joker Lips
Wristwatch 
Rudolph
Toontown
You Have Bought Yourself a Boat
TLC Cage Match
Pianos
She’s Leaving You
Dancing in the Club (This is Lorelei cover)
Rip Torn
You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In
On My Knees
Bark at the Moon
No Mercy

Lotta Love (Neil Young cover)
Hangover Game
Knockin