Co-headlining a rocking show that was an excellent combination of acts from Australia’s indie rock scene, The Rions and Pacific Avenue, both thrilled the audience with their hour long sets at the O2 Academy 3 in Birmingham on September 1st.
The Rions took the stage first, on the day they not only brought the sunshine with them all the way from Sydney, they brought their catalogue of indie groovy rock bangers that delightfully warmed up the crowd.
Interlinked with their natural Aussie charm was their sentimental anecdotes about each song and what it meant to the group, from their newest single “Time Will Tell” to “Sadie,” a song about sending your friend to break up with your partner. As if the crowd needed sweetening up any more, the band played a cover of Sam Fender’s, “Seventeen Going Under.”
These songs showcased the band’s synchronistic direction, their talented lyricism and the vocals of lead singer, Noah Blockley, which is all culminating in their newest EP Happiness Is A Place It Shouldn’t Be which is releasing September 27th.
After the first charming Aussie starter, it was time for the second Aussie special as Pacific Avenue took the stage for their debut headline show in Birmingham, bringing some excellent hair-ography, rocking guitar licks and some very old school rock vibes to the academy.
Inspired by what feels like a retro late 70s, early 80s rock vibe, Pacific Avenue would’ve kicked the front doors off the venue with their rock-centric set…had the doors not already been open to the 25 degree temperature from the day.
Continuing the set with a perfectly curated musical journey through the band’s discography, taking some of the biggest hits from their debut album Flowers, including “Spin Me Like Your Records” to “Leaving for London”, and some from their earlier EPs including “Easy Love” and “Something Good”.
Taking a brief reprise from the heavier rock to serenade the crowd with a love song, before delivering a truly unique rock rendition of “Dancing Queen”, which included some excellent behind the head guitar solos.
Just to really drive the special night home, Pacific Avenue fans were treated to their newest song “Lucy”, which isn’t officially out for a couple of weeks at the time of writing this, but if you’re a fan of Pacific Avenue’s work already, you’ll thoroughly enjoy it.
It’s safe to say that both of the Australian gems delivered an excellent, energetic and exciting set that proved to be a treat for long time and new listeners alike. Given both bands have new music on the horizon, I can only hope they have the bright future they both deserve and can’t wait to see them again when they tour the UK again.
Words + photography by Sam Huntley
