Saturday night, amidst the bustling streets of Enmore, Gadigal/Sydney, something magical unfolded within the walls of the iconic Enmore Theatre. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, and the world outside faded as Holy Holy took the stage, captivating the hearts of new and longtime fans.
Fresh off the triumph of their latest release, ‘Cellophane’, which soared to #4 on the ARIA album chart upon its release last year, Holy Holy was in their element. Their fifth studio album marked a deliberate departure into uncharted territories, a bold declaration of creative freedom unshackled from the weight of expectations.
Stepping into the dimly lit Enmore Theatre, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Known for its grandeur, the venue exudes an aura of magnificence that perfectly complements the fantastical music acts set to grace its stage. Against the backdrop of Art Deco architecture, the lighting itself seemed worthy of an Oscar performance award, adding an extra layer of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.
Hip-hop artist Tasman Keith was originally set to perform alongside the duo until a recent leg injury sidelined him from the tour. In response, Holy Holy extended invitations to Aussie electronic duo Sumner, who featured on ‘Cellophane’ in the single ‘Ready (feat. Sumner)‘, and indie-rockers Eliza and the Delusionals. Sumner wove a spell with their euphoric electronic beats, while Eliza and the Delusionals entranced the crowd with their trademark blend of indie rock, showering them with infectious hooks and impassioned lyricism.
As the lights dimmed with Holy Holy taking centre stage, they were met with a thunderous roar of applause that reverberated throughout the theatre. Timothy Carroll and Oscar Dawson immediately engulfed fans into their world, turning the performance into a collective experience—a communion of souls. With anthemic tracks like ‘True Lovers’ (‘Paint‘, 2017) and ‘Sentimental and Monday’ (My Own Pool of Light, 2019), each song served as a testament to the band’s undeniable talent and boundless creativity.
Their performance stretched across nearly two hours, weaving through nearly a decade of their repertoire, crowned by their latest gem, ‘Cellophane‘. Timothy’s vocals soared to epic heights, bolstered by his magnetic stage charisma that effortlessly ignited the audience. Meanwhile, Oscar dazzled in the live setting, transitioning from keyboard maestro to guitar virtuoso, much to the crowd’s delight. With their backing musicians, Holy Holy conjured a mesmerising synergy on stage, holding the audience spellbound with each note and lyric. Undeniably, they poured every ounce of their hearts into every moment of the show.
Throughout the set, Holy Holy graciously invited opening acts Sumner and Eliza back to share the stage, creating a sense of camaraderie that crescendoed into the grand finale. The audience was treated not to just one, but four encore songs, culminating in the beloved fan favourite, ‘Teach Me About Dying‘, featuring Eliza and the Delusionals.
As the final notes melted away, a bittersweet atmosphere lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the fleeting nature of moments like these. It was yet another night that underscored the profound impact Australian artists have on our communities.
Holy Holy will continue touring across the nation in celebration of ‘Cellophane’ with shows on the following dates (tickets here):
19 APR 2024 – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
20 APR 2024 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff NSW
26 APR 2024 – Forum, Melbourne VIC
27 APR 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay VIC
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