Friday night at the Sydney Opera House was the first of a special four night run for the spectacular artist Mitski. These shows sold out in an instant and a fever pitch crowd was ready and waiting. It was the first show in Australia for Mitski since 2019 and on the back of her new excellent album it would prove to be very special. Mitski played all but one song from the new album and they translated beautifully live. Especially ‘If I Leave’ and ‘Lightning’. Of course we were also there for the older songs and we received a great selection of wonderful songs. It all flowed beautifully together. Mitski is such an engaging performer. She has a unique innocence as she moves across the stage constantly. She doesn’t say much, but lets her singing and songs do the talking. So many highlights on the night, but my absolute favourites were ‘Dan the Dancer’, ‘Washing Machine Heart’ and ‘Francis Forever’. But I loved it all. A special night from a special performer. 

Set List
In a Lake
Cats
Working for the Knife
Buffalo Replaced 
Dead Women 
I Bet on Losing Dogs
Where’s My Phone?
Heaven
Rules
I’ll Change For You
When Memories Snow
Instead of Here
Circle 
Washing Machine Heart
Dan the Dancer
I Want You
Francis Forever 
If I Leave
Stay Soft
A Horse Named Cold Air
Two Slow Dancers
Lightning 
My Love Mine All Mine
That White Cat

Pearl Diver

Sunday night saw Current Joys play for the first time at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Festival. It was a great night and band were definitely in fine form. Their show was in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, a venue slightly smaller than the larger Concert Hall, and I think more intimate. It was their second visit to Sydney and their set was littered with selections from across the 12 or so years that they have existed. Initially is was a project for just Nick Rattigan but overtime he has fleshed it out to the tight and solid four piece that exists now. Their music is catchy and melodic but can also rock out, evident on songs like 'Cigarettes'. The crowd was young and enthusiastic. Like most Opera House shows the audience is never sure if they should stand or not. But towards the end we mostly did when the band played songs like the energetic 'Blondie'. The encore was a bit of a treat too, as Nick announced that they have a new album on the way and he would play three songs from it. But he informed us that the band hasn't truly rehearsed them so Nick sung over a backing track. It was surprisingly effective. A nice way to end a pretty great night.

Set List
Ghosts
Desire
Legends
Cigarettes
New Flesh
Under the Influence
My Blueberry Life
Breaking the Waves
Symphonia IX
Fear
Close the Door
Way Out Here
American Honey
My Motorcycle
Blondie
You Break My Heart
Kids

Sufferer (Nick solo) 
Skinamrink (Nick solo)
Halloween (Nick solo)