It might have been a Sunday night, but it was an exciting time for those in Melbourne, with Middle Kids continuing along the path of their ‘New Songs For Old Problem’ tour.
The band’s Melbourne dates fell somewhat unfortunately on a Sunday night, but as lead singer Hannah said, “people who see shows on Sunday nights have good days the next day”. Along for the ride was Melbourne’s very own Didirri, the singer-songwriter with a knack for making his, and his audience’s, heart sing.
Didirri proved to be a wonderful opener. His singer-songwriter nature shining alongside the incredible musical prowess of his fellow band members, who followed through with some inspiring backing riffs. His set was comprised largely of the best hits from his Measurements EP, along with his recent single, “Blue Moon Rising”.
The Forum was set alight by the arrival of Middle Kids on stage. The band’s long set threaded its way neatly through the band’s history, drawing from their entire back catalogue.
The band were quick to fire up a crowd already brimming with energy following Didirri’s set. They set the tone immediately, opening their set with one of their biggest 2018 singles, “Mistake”. The impressive opening barrage continued as they then ran through a stirring rendition of “Never Start” and their new single “Salt Eyes”, from their latest release – New Songs For Old Problems. This offered a brief reprieve, where Hannah was able to greet the Melbourne crowd, greedy for more.
The band kept the energy levels high. Whilst there’s the inkling that a potential break could be on the cards, what with how close the first ‘Middle Kids’ kid is to the world. But, the pregnancy didn’t stop Hannah and the rest of the band for delivering a rocking set that lasted for over an hour. The band brought the magic, working through all their fan favourites. “Tell Me Something”, “On My Knees”, “Maryland”, and “Don’t Be Hiding”, all featured throughout the night.
As usual, Hannah proved to be a breath of fresh air, taking her raw songwriting and giving it that extra spark in the live setting. Both the crowd and the band bounced off each other throughout the set, with Hannah and those in the front row struggling not to smile throughout.
Unfortunately, the evening’s close quickly reared its head, with the band leaving on a two song encore. It was an encore that encapsulated Middle Kids career, with brand new track, “Beliefs and Prayers” from New Songs For Old Problems, sitting nicely alongside one of the songs that propelled the band to great heights: “Edge of Town” from 2016’s Lost Friends.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
New Songs for Old Problems is available now. The tour moves to Brisbane next, before finishing up in Adelaide next week. For more information and to grab tickets to the remaining two shows head HERE.
21st Nov – The Tivoli, Brisbane (AA)
28th Nov – HQ Complex, Adelaide (AA)
You can also find more photos from the night HERE
