Twenty One Pilots at the Metro Theatre - 9/8/14 - Live Review

A sea of heads crammed into the Metro theatre, keen to be as close to the action as possible, it sure was an impressive turn out just to catch the supporting act. With the occasional slow clap, cheers in perfect unison, and muffled banter of eager fans, carrying through to the back of the stage, it was no wonder when Brissy singer / songwriter, Doyle Perez - known more commonly as D at Sea - strolled ever so casually onto the stage, his face shone with a smile that could light even the darkest of rooms.

As he strummed the first chord, his voice fell like magic in your eyes, he begun with ‘Love a Liar’, a song he had written about “all the shit people who have hurt you in your life”. Whilst the rawness of his acoustic guitar and lyrics of heartache touched you and felt relatable, it wasn’t drowned in soppy undertones or deep sadness.

The reggae harmonies, and Ed Sheeran-esque tinny, acoustic strums of his guitar, gave the song a serene and romantic edge. Acknowledging the crowd as “amazing”, he went on to share that the next song ‘Memories’, was written about a close friend of his Max, whom he tragically lost some years ago. A beautiful tribute to his friend, crafted with delicate, emotion fuelled lyrics and catchy tones. It was almost an honour to witness Perez sharing his personal journey through his music, creating a connection with a room full of strangers.

Perez soon kicked things up a notch, introducing his drummer, Matt McGuire aka

“one sexual mother f**ker”, and informing the audience that his side kick, was also celebrating his 21st birthday this very night. The two worked the room, and involved the crowd by having them sing along, engage, and participate in bringing the songs to their peak. Introducing hip-hop and heavy drums into the mix of songs ‘Nightmare’, and ‘Stars in Your Eyes’ – both tracks from his ‘Anchors and Diamonds’ EP, released in July this year. Gone are the days of homemade You Tube videos for this rising star. A bright future awaits.

With a light show to give M83 a run for their money, lead-singer-energy-levels to the calibre of Sir Mick Jagger, and impromptu segues mid set to the legendary Van Morrisons’, ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, backed by perfectly pitched vocals and a ukulele, Twenty One Pilots had officially landed on Sydney shores (pun totally intended!).

Disguised in their signature hoodies and balaclava’s, the room was dark, the bass loud and suddenly, their silhouettes were revealed. Launching into “Guns for Hands’ - a popular track from their third album ‘Vessel’, released in early 2013, the first full-length album since being signed back in 2012. It was all systems go; drums, piano, acrobatics, drama, lights and an effervescent front man, Tyler Joseph, pacing the stage left to right, strutting like a tiger being watched behind glass, by an adoring, awe enthused sea of people.

‘Migraine’ was a huge pleaser amongst the audience, whilst hands swayed, lyrics shrieked from the mouths of sweaty fans down the front, feet and bodies, moving to the beat. ‘House of Gold’, a song written about Joseph’s mother, begins with his ukulele being strummed within an inch of its life, while he stands proud in his Hawaiian print kimono, at the very front of the stage, singing directly into the spotlight. Perhaps now showing their musical maturity, they break into ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ by Van Morrison, encouraging the crowd – Van fans or not - to sing “sha la la la la la” until they were out of breath.

Until now, neither of the duo had spoken, nor did they need to. Joseph, evidently filled with gratitude, then thanks the crowd for coming out, and began to play Elvis Presley’s ‘I can’t help falling in love with you’. From what I was witnessing, it was us, the crowd, falling in love with them.

Josh Dun removes himself from his throne, drum kit in this case, and leaps into

the air, mastering an impressive back flip – a ritual performed at every show. Joseph, now on the keys, blue lights criss-crossing the stage, he executes roars, allowing his incredible voice to reach the high and low ranges their songs demand. Dun, flaunting his chiselled muscles that would have Vin Diesel cry over his bench-press, attracts the beady eyes of his younger female fans with his cheeky demeanour. But make no judgement based on the physical, this guy has skills. He plays those drums with so much enthusiasm, flicking the sticks in the air before the next beat goes down, incorporating percussion when necessary.

There is something ‘Panic at the Disco’ like about their show! Perhaps it is Joseph’s theatrical presence, his art of evolving into a new character with each song they perform. Or their knack in creating as much oomph to a track as humanly possible, be it with the ukulele, or going hard-core with heavy bass, synth, hip-hop rhymes, melodramatic piano solos (played on a grand piano of course). Twenty One Pilots portray great strengths of creativity in their work, attracting a rather eclectic mix of fans, evolving and experimenting in their diverse genre of ‘shizoid-pop’.

Finishing their set with their mighty hit ‘Car Radio’, one of their biggest tracks from ‘Vessel’, it was the perfect ending to a dynamic, dramatic, exhilarating show. Staying true to form, returning for a highly anticipated encore, they played ‘Trees’. In an interview I saw with the boys, Dun expressed that they leave ‘Trees’ until last - being his favourite song, and after an hour long show, it brings him back to life “Physically, emotionally, and spiritually” - giving him the energy he craves, to end on a triumphant high. They form together, balaclavas no longer in sight, they take a bow, and exit the stage like exposed thieves in the night.

I left the Metro with that feeling you get in your tummy after stepping of a big ass roller coaster, excited for more, but empty that it was over. I’m pretty sure they call that euphoria. All hail this infectious duo from Ohio. Safe to say, I’d share an ice cream with them any day!

Review by Georgina Lochhead

Photos by Damon Collum view more here

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