Arizona alt-rockers The Maine took over Liberty Hall on Friday night to celebrate their sweet 16th (officially 17th!) anniversary and the release of their ninth studio album. Despite train strikes and the pull of the football match next door, fans flooded into the Entertainment Quarter, determined to make the most of the night.
The evening opened with Brisbane’s FELONY, who leaned hard into the rock side of their indie pop sound. Their punchy set radiated energy, sending waves through the crowd that was ready to engage from the start. FELONY’s raw edge and charismatic stage presence sparked the first round of excitement, getting the audience fully on board.
Next, joan, the indie-pop duo from Little Rock, Arkansas, shifted the vibe while keeping the energy high. Their polished, synth-driven sound had a magnetism that drew everyone in. Fans were swept up by the duo’s charisma and effortless connection with the room turning Liberty Hall into an indie-pop haven.
When The Maine finally appeared, sparkling in matching outfits, they launched into ‘Dose No. 2’ (the opening track of their self-titled 2023 album), sending the room into an immediate frenzy. The energy was electric, and the band, well-versed in reading their audience after 17 years together, fed off it seamlessly. Fans reached out, as far as their arms and voices would carry them, singing every lyric, matching the band’s energy — It felt like a reunion of old friends.
With a decibel metre on stage, the band prompted a playful competition to see who could shout the loudest. Fans raised the roof, choosing ‘Am I Pretty?’ over ‘Slip the Noose’ — a clear crowd favourite, sending a wave of excitement through the hall. Mid-set, frontman John O’Callaghan paused to check on the Sydney Swans’ game, drawing more loud cheers as someone in the crowd shared the news of their lead.
The Maine’s undeniable chemistry, forged over 17 years with the same five members, was easily seen throughout the night. Their synergy on stage felt effortless, a testament to their shared history and growth as a band. Frontman John O’Callaghan took a reflective pause, speaking directly to the crowd about their journey together. His gratitude was genuine, creating a moment of connection before seamlessly transitioning into ‘Saving Grace’.
With what seemed like all nine albums’ worth of songs packed into the night, The Maine’s set was an expansive, wholesome, punk-pop experience. From newer releases to longtime fan favourites, every song landed perfectly, making it a night that won’t be soon forgotten.
Image credit: Jess Hutton (@juiceboxjpg)
