“You can stop gate keeping me now. I want to play Sydney Opera House next summer” Del Water Gap exclaimed at the end of his packed debut Sydney headline show at Oxford Art Factory over the weekend, and he was so correct. The New York based singer-songwriter is a bonafide star, and if this show proved anything, it was that he is going to be one of the most buzzed about breakout acts of the year, and rightfully so. 

Finally finding himself in Australia for a run of headline dates as well as a coveted spot at Splendour In The Grass, Del Water Gap immediately captivated his Sydney audience the minute he walked out for opening track “Better Than I Know Myself”. Aesthetically finding himself in dark lighting, the show had a grunge underground feel to it which captured this almost discovery element to it. You felt like you were in this intimate, sweaty New York bar watching him command the stage and audience so effortlessly. 

“Hurting Kind”, “Sorry I Am”, “Let’s Pretend” and “Bug Bites” immediately had the singalong’s started from long-term fans who were very excited he was finally in front of them. Explaining that this was the final headline show for his debut album era, he teased the release of his forthcoming record “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet” out September 29. Previewing his next single “Coping On Unemployment”, he welcomed the audience into the world of the next era, which was later followed by current single (and absolute anthem) “All We Ever Do Is Talk”. But still remaining in the present, he also explained that this was the last time he would be playing some of these songs for a while, so he wanted to go out with a bang, and he definitely did with him even finding a moment to jump into the crowd to get extra sweaty with the fans. His cover of Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and fan favourites “Distance”, “Alone Together”, “Chastain” and “High Tops” followed, before he wrapped it up with “I Hope You Understand” and “Perfume”. But obviously that wasn’t really the end. Returning to the stage for “Ode To A Conversation Stuck In Your Throat” he gave the audience one finally punch of energy before vowing to be back next year. 

Del Water Gap’s live show is already very impressive. Hopefully next time he’s here he will have a better lighting rig, but otherwise the raw foundations are already there for an unforgettable tour every time he comes. He is truly a star.

Photo credit: Ash Caygill