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Writer's pictureBella Philpot

LIVE REVIEW - Two Door Cinema Club @ Enmore Theatre



Having been a long time Two Door Cinema Club fan, I was both excited and nervous for what their show at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre would bring. I can say for sure now that the show did anything but disappoint. From the get-go, the room’s energy was infectious. With the most eclectic crowd I have ever been among, the Irish pop-electronic-indie-rock band, supported by Australian brother-sister duo, Lastlings, provided a top notch night of lights, music and action.


Beginning 'You' and 'I’ve Got You', Lastlings built anticipation both for themselves and the main act that was to come. The set featured incredibly intricate musical layers, characterised mostly by Amy Dowdle’s airy vocals, providing the audience with a well-produced, well-performed, and well-put-together breath of fresh air. The lighting was like a calm and inviting party, and created a showcase of bouncing colours and sounds. The duo also performed 'Take My Hand', a song to be released on their upcoming debut album feautring Halsey-esque vocals. The set was eerie and atmospheric and prompted some serious head-bopping and hip-shaking from the crowd.



After this, the audience was amped and excited, delivering substantial pre-show whistles and cheers as they waited in anticipation. All of a sudden the giant on-stage screen lit the entire room a bright shade of red, and a video game-style 5 second countdown began. In a flash of bright lights, Two Door Cinema Club bursted out on stage to open with 'Talk'. Like watching a musical cartoon, the room was filled with an unreal display of groovy electronic music and colourful, encapsulating screen visuals. Following this was crowd favourite 'Undercover Martyn', which everyone was jumping to from the second they heard that undeniable guitar riff. There were cries and claps, and the guitar solo bridge proved to be even more legendary in person. This transitioned straight into 'I Can Talk', which featured thumping bass and an exhilarating lightshow.


When 'Are We Ready? (Wreck)' came on the screen colour scheme changed, shifting with it the mood of the room. Now that the crowd knew what they were in for, they just wanted more and more. The screen images were hypnotic and the song was fast-paced and upbeat. With the sound of thick and groovy bass slaps and drum hits, the screen and lights flashed in time with the music, creating a feeling of movement and pace. 'This Is The Life' came next, and brought some tight full-on drumming and a wild craze of colours and lights.



The crowd then went from wild to crazy when 'Cigarettes In The Theatre' came on. The screen displayed fast moving patterns as the drum and guitar playing kept the crowd dancing. Not a single beat was missed by the band or the audience, and the room quickly became a wonderful space of sensation overload. The thumping, growling feeling of grunge from 'Dirty Air' followed on from this, and the screen flashed images of gas marks and other hazard symbols. The atmosphere became dark and moody and the band portrayed a perfect element of control, holding the audience in the palm of their hand.

An oldie but a goodie, 'Next Year', was met with loud crowd cheers. The performance felt close and intimate, and the audience was involved and appreciative. With the use of catchy synth inserts, the room had an aura of nostalgia, and felt as though it was moving slow and fast all at once. The energy ramped up even more when the band started “Do You Want It All?”. The sharp synth screeches and alternating backing vocals carried in the 7/8 masterpieces. It was polished and lively. A whirlwind of retro-feeling groove was brought by the next track, “Bad Decisions”. The performance showcased the high vocal range of Alex while still allowing space for the guitar twang to shine through. The screen visuals worked to match the sounds of the song, and the effect was indescribable.


After spilling their love for Australia and its crowds, the band played another classic, 'Changing Of The Seasons', which was met by the loudest cheer yet. The room shone an obscene shade of orange, and there were multiple little dance communities forming among the floor. It seemed to be the song that everyone knew, and this high energy was felt from both parties. 'Satisfaction' was next, and boy was satisfaction indeed guaranteed. All I saw in front of me was screen sunset colours and a crowd of moving heads. Anticipation built as seconds of silence followed the song’s finish, only to be relieved by the one and only 'What You Know'. Everyone was dancing, everyone was singing along even to the instrumental.




A change of pace came with 'Lavender', a softly spoken tune that is low key yet poignant. There were soaring vocal parts, and a switch to acoustic guitar that featured a solo accompanied by a blue flashing room. A song off their latest album, 'Satellite', came next. It had a very 80s feel with laser synth shots and a flickery guitar. The screen displayed a ticking satellite alarm clock, and the drummer went so hard that a replacement stick was needed half way through the track. The ear-catching guitar picks of 'Eat That Up, It’s Good For You' followed.


For the beginning of the end, the band played 'Sleep Alone'. Refreshing the crowd, the song felt like a sweet bedtime serenade with synth bass and big energy drum playing. Encouraging and inspiring, the screen displayed colours of red and blue, giving off massive old school 3D vibes. 'Something Good Can Work' was the night’s big finale, another one of their older songs that was met by the crowd like an old friend. Dancing on shoulders and a call and response segment came in at this point, both of which were brought to their end with a bright white flash and a huge cheer.


Overall the show was amazing. The clever use of the on-stage visuals made the show stand out for me, as well as the impeccable displays of musicianship of course. The show took the audience up, up, up and away to a festival of colour and a playground for adults. The crowd loved it and so did I - definitely a band I would recommend seeing if you get the chance.




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