Following the recent release of her sophomore album “My Soft Machine” in May, Arlo Parks has returned to Australia after sold out debut shows last year. With a coveted seat at Splendour The Grass on the cards this time, the British singer-songwriter backed it up with some exclusive headline shows, including a night at the iconic Sydney Opera House. This was a show that already felt special, and rightfully so. It was at a legendary venue, and she was also celebrating a beautiful record that was truly created to be experienced live. 

With a rapturous response as she walked out onto the stage with her band, she opened the set with new album tracks “Bruiseless”, “Weightless” and “Blades”. Adding some older fan favourites into the set, songs like “Caroline”, “Eugene”, “Hurt”, “Too Good” and “Black Dog” kept the singalongs moving. But the focus was the new record and she really wanted to highlight the evolving sound and songwriting that is shining through the new material. “Impurities”, “I’m Sorry”, “Dog Rose”, “Devotion” and “Purple Phase” created some nice moments from the record, and even through the record has only been out two months, it’s obvious that fans are already connecting with it quite deeply. Closing out the set with “Softly” she had the crowd in a big unison singalong and grooving along one last time.  

The softly spoken artist was really gracious between songs and giving fans a little insight into the songs and her artistry. While she was performing she was moving from side to side of the stage and waving and connecting with them so purely. She’s not a performer who is bold with their stage delivery, but instead it feels genuine, and you can’t help but feel a rush of serotonin and warmth from witnessing the show. The production was led by the lighting which intertwined with the led screen visuals that felt like an extension of the lighting. It all came together to bring you into the “My Soft Machine” world.