LIVE REVIEW: Phantastic Ferniture & Juice Webster @ The Tivoli in the Round

There’s something undeniably special about Brisbane Festival’s ‘Tivoli in the Round’. Flipping the script on a classic gig setting, the layout offers a kind of intimacy rarely found in large live music venues like the Tivoli. Especially from the mezzanine level, where you can overlook the performance like a secret observer peering into something sacred. It’s in this immersive space that Juice Webster and Phantastic Ferniture delivered two deeply resonant sets, framed by the glow of projections from the overhead circular light display bringing together “the round” aspect of this special show series. 

Photo by Max Wenke

Juice Webster’s set began with a sense of gentle reverence. Above the stage, twinkling lights shimmered like stars, mirroring the clear night beyond the Tivoli walls. The band faced inward, playing not to the crowd, but to each other, like old friends sharing memories. This internal focus only amplified the emotion in Juice Webster’s voice as she wove stories of love, loss, and coming of age.

Juice’s voice danced delicately with the lead guitarist’s harmonies, while the rhythm section provided a lush, grounding backdrop. As the overhead lights shifted into a warm red glow, the second track bloomed into a wash of echoing guitars and pulsing bass, drawing the audience deeper into Webster’s sonic world.

Highlights included the fourth track “Headaches”, with the overhead projection showing nostalgic VHS crackle which was mirrored by the gritty guitar tone that built into an energetic chorus driven by snare-heavy percussion and a chordal bass groove. The song “Hannah,” also stood out to me, a track devoted to friendship, making all of us collectively consider the special Hannah’s in our lives (I know I’ve got a particularly amazing one!).

Juice kept her stage banter minimal, allowing the music to speak volumes. “Let The Dog Out” was a clear standout with its melancholy riff intertwined seamlessly with her feather-light vocal delivery, inviting the audience to contemplate some of their heavier feelings.

Photo by Max Wenke

The set closed with two powerful tracks, “In the Zone,” a crowd favourite drenched in purple and yellow light, that had the whole room swaying and “Mean It,” a self-described diss track that showcased Juice’s great melody skills and had the stage truly warmed up for Phantastic Ferniture’s set.

Waiting in anticipation for Phantastic Ferniture to enter the stage, set high in the middle of the Tivoli floor, the lights dimmed and the familiar sounds of club-track “Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay filled the venue. There was a moment of confusion, then joy, as the band led by the ever-charismatic Julia Jacklin, emerged to warm red and blue lights. Their arrival met with an eruption of excitement and any of the band’s concerns about a minimal crowd on a school night (this being a Tuesday evening!) were proven wrong; the room was truly heaving, buzzing with anticipation and love for this band and their music.

Opening with energy that matched the audiences’, Jacklin’s vocals soared across rolling guitars and pulsing bass, never once overshadowed by the full-band sound. Her voice, which was a balance of control and raw power, filled the space with ease, especially during the second track where a shimmering ride cymbal matched her vibrato and dynamic range before dropping us back into a tight, infectious groove.

Photo by Max Wenke

The third track, ‘Uncomfortable Teenager’, introduced beautiful harmonies between Jacklin and guitarist Liz, adding rich texture to a chorus grounded by floor toms and a relentless bass riff. The chemistry between bandmates was palpable throughout the set,  a blend of fun camaraderie and tight musicianship.

Before launching into fan-favourite “Gap Year,” Jacklin acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, the Yuggera People, and recognised their continued resilience against colonisation as well as acknowledging other marginalised groups across the world, a moment that was received with heartfelt applause and solidified the role that artists and music have in speaking up and using their platform to bring awareness.

The band also debuted several unreleased tracks, starting with “Change My Mind,” acknowledging their creative hiatus without missing a beat. One new track stood out for its lyrical poignancy: “didn’t fall in love on a burning planet,” delivered in a hushed pre-chorus with the band crouching down, only to rise explosively into the chorus, a visual and sonic testament to their artistry.

Adding to the experience was Julia capturing part of the night on a dad-cam for an upcoming music video that the crowd were all-to-joyful to be involved in, bringing an extra layer of connection between the band and their audience. This sense of shared joy reached a peak during “Dark Corner, Dance Floor,” and continued through the final trio of songs that had Julia dancing freely and the audience entirely under their spell.

Photo by Max Wenke

When the unmistakable bassline of “Fuckin’ and Rollin’” kicked in, the crowd erupted singing every “ahhh” in unison beneath the sparkling overhead light display. It was the cathartic moment we’d all been waiting for, closing the night on a euphoric, full-bodied chord that rang out long after the lights dimmed.

The “in the round” format at the Tivoli transformed an already anticipated double bill into something truly memorable. Juice Webster offered emotion and warmth in equal measure, while Phantastic Ferniture brought raw energy, connection, and charisma to the stage. Two acts, one 360 degree stage and one night to remember.