LIVE REVIEW: FINNEAS – Hordern Pavilion

Walking into the Hordern Pavilion for FINNEAS’ headline Sydney show, I was immediately quite surprised that there was no production elements, as it’s notably guide a big venue. There were no big lighting rigs, no backdrop or LED screens, no risers or stage design, which felt quite bare. Walking on stage by himself for opener “Starfucker” he was joined by his band halfway through as the song kicked into gear, and as they then headed into “Lotus Eater” it became very obvious that he didn’t need any of the thrills. This was a show all about musicianship and storytelling, and he didn’t need any big visuals to come in the way of the sincerity the music delivered.

This was the third show on the “For Cryin’ Out Loud! The Tour”, and you wouldn’t have guessed that from how tight sonically the show was. “What a treat to be with you guys tonight” he gushed to the crowd as he explained it was sixth or seventh time in Sydney, in-between his project and performing with his sister Billie Eilish. Early on he showcased songs from his new album “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” like “Cleats”, “Sweet Cherries” and “What’s It Gonna Take To Break Your Heart?”, before then playing some older fan favourites like “Angel”, “The Kids Are All Dying”, and “Partners In Crime”.

The show had a very timeless feel and sound to it. It felt classic, in the best way possible. His interaction with the audience and his band was so sincere, and it all just made you feel very warm. Songs like “Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa”, “Till Forever Falls Apart”, and “I Lost A Friend” got some big singalong’s, while he dedicated “Family Feud” to his sister Billie. Closing out the show with the title track “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” he left the stage without a posed encore, and it felt so right. It was a perfectly timed show that gave the crowd everything they wanted, while also showcasing his brilliant musicianship, and gave a window into his oddball personality which he could’ve tapp into a little bit more.

Opening the show was New Zealand singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Fazerdaze (also known as Amelia Murray). Performing in duo mode with guitarist Dave Rowlands, she layered her sound with some synths and tracks to build out to this big sound. Performing tracks like “Break!”, “Winter”, “Bigger” and “A Thousand Years”, she gave the audience a nice little bite-taste of her project.

Check out the full gallery captured by Bree Vane below: