Crime & the City Solution‘s recent live performances have been a testament to their enduring relevance and artistic evolution. Fronted by Simon Bonney, the band has seamlessly blended their post-punk roots with a more intimate, acoustic approach, captivating audiences across Europe in late 2024. They brought their set to Australia for an exclusive gig at Hobart’s Dark Mofo Festival on the night of Friday, June 13, 2025 at Hobart’s Odeon Theatre. It was a rare and intimate performance by Crime & the City Solution and was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to captivate audiences with their cinematic and lyrical prowess.
The band commenced with their acoustic incarnation, ‘Crime (Acoustic)’ offering a stripped-back rendition of their expansive sound. As a trio—Bonney, Joshua Murphy, and Bronwyn Adams—delivered hauntingly intimate set which saw ‘Rivers of Blood’ and The Bride Ship’ reimagined with delicate arrangements, allowing the raw emotion of their lyrics to resonate deeply with the audience.
The acoustic format highlighted the band’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to the introspective works of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The performances were marked by a palpable sense of vulnerability and connection, with the trio’s chemistry evident in every note. The result was a hauntingly intimate set that resonated deeply with the audience. The absence of a full band allowed the raw emotion of their music to shine through, with each note and lyric carrying a weight that was both personal and universal.
Transitioning to their full-band setup, Crime & the City Solution maintained their reputation for delivering powerful live shows. showcasing their expansive soundscapes, blending elements of gothic rock and post-punk with contemporary sensibilities. The setlist featured a mix of classics and newer material from their 2023 album ‘The Killer’, including tracks like ‘River of God’ and an explosive double of ‘The Last Dictator II’ and The Last Dictator IV’ where you could clearly see the genetic links to The Birthday Party with the intensity of the performance.
The band’s performance was characterised by a dynamic interplay between Bonney’s commanding vocals and the band’s intricate instrumentation. The live renditions of these tracks added layers of intensity and nuance, reaffirming the band’s status as masters of their craft.
The band reverted to the acoustic trio for renditions of ‘Killer’ and ‘Brave Hearted Woman’ and then, running out of time and rejoined by the rest of the band, closed with what Bonney said was an unusual thing – a cover. The fact that it was a raw and expressive version of Neil Young’s ‘Hey, Hey, My My’ added a lovely finale.
Crime & the City Solution’s performance underscore their ability to evolve while staying true to their artistic vision. Whether in the intimate setting of an acoustic performance or the expansive energy of a full-band show, they continue to captivate audiences with their evocative storytelling and compelling sound. The on-stage camaraderie – particularly between Bonny and Adams was very special – and Bonney was warm and engaging throughout. Adam’s vocals added a filigree of gold to Bonney’s deep timbre and her whimsical asides were a delightful counterbalance to Bonney’s intensity. At one point she apologised for her musings and Bonney beautifully assured her this was a safe space and indeed it did feel thus: an intimate crowd of devotees that turned the vast Odeon Theatre into a cosy lounge room gathering.
Indeed, the Odeon Theatre, with its vintage charm and intimate acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for this performance. The audience, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers, was fully engaged, their attention unwavering throughout the set. There was a palpable sense of reverence in the air, as if everyone present understood the rarity of witnessing such a performance.
Crime & the City Solution’s performance at Dark Mofo 2025 was a masterclass in musical storytelling. In a world where live performances often rely on spectacle, the band reminded us of the power of simplicity and sincerity. This gig was not just a concert; it was an experience, one that left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be present.
Feature Photograph and Gallery: Arun Kendall
