RÜFÜS DU SOL - Live in Melbourne 2023
Written by: Darcy Moore - Sense Music Media | Friday 30th December 2022
Photos by: Mitch Lowe >> FULL GALLERY
The slow creep of a dusty sky
In 2011, lil baby Darcy hosted a radio program in Melbourne. One day, a self titled EP simply titled RÜFÜS came across my desk. I hit play on the CD and immediately - it was on rotation. The opening track ‘Paris Collides’, swiftly followed by the song ‘Nocturnal’ quickly became my Winters soundtrack. With cold weather it nonetheless delivered musical comfort. Sleepy drops of melody. I would play these songs as much as possible in my earphones and on air.
11 years later… things had escalated. As the afternoon in December ticked on, it became clearer that this was no small beat. This was an event. A big one.
Opening DJ - LUKE ALESSI, filled out the air while punters swarmed in. As we walked down the hill to the show we realised the was night wasn’t going to be anything short of a festival: Food trucks, beer tents, merch stands splattered the grounds. Wafts of contraband floated around. The only thing missing were ferris wheels to puff said contraband on and see the view. Just don’t tell your mum. Or do - you’re an adult, they’ll understand.
After the band had shown their talents abroad, the Australian crowds were itching to dance Post- COVID. Bubbling to have RDS home again. My friend and I grabbed a drink and found a place to stand while we watched the ocean of souls fill out the place.
Pictured: RÜFÜS DU SOL on stage overlooking the crowd at Flemington Racecourse.
Photo by: Mitch Lowe
The winds picked up and the seagulls got free tickets to the show. The second support act, JON HOPKINS, started playing and the collectives started to school toward the stage. Hopkins, has a hugely impressive resume and to see him trying out the speakers, and the visuals of the event, deserved every whip-crack of the necks from the crowds to go and see his set. Melting songs fans know and love, and then remixes of iconic soundtracks (‘Interstellar’ for example). Hopkins was a mature build towards the main course. The bubbles before the bath.
The atmosphere built as RDS got ready to play. The crowd (and seagulls) slowly massed toward the open air stage. As the sun began its slow creep towards its setting, the exports and local-boys-done-good came out to a wild eruption of fans. 25 THOUSAND fans. I’ve been to Splendour In The Grass with less people. It must have been quite the sight to behold on home soil. Receiving nothing but the red carpet treatment in the pose of a sea of faces and souls.
Pictured: Tyrone Lindqvist - RÜFÜS DU SOL
Photo by: Mitch Lowe
The the crowds gathered around and it was becoming evident that RDS has a sound that builds creative unity. The fashion styles alone bred thick and fast: Emo’s, Goths, Hipsters, Surfers, Mullets by the dozens. Paying attention to the music it became clear that RDS can bring in a mix of people. Even though this show was 18+ there were there with equal amounts of love for the larger than life performance on show. A testament to the bands ability to reach an audience on all levels. Of all ages.
As RDS turned on, we all took notice. There was no-one disappointed. Show me someone who was. I’ll wait… You can’t find them.
As the night turned in, the whole crowd slowly became more than just a fan-base. The band gave us great banter and really recognised the moment. They talked to us and delivering more than just music. They wanted to deliver personalities and and warmth. They did that and more. The gig became bigger than any of us.
The early parts of banter they started talking to the crowd and pointed out a beautiful, quintessential Melbourne sunset. As everyone’s necks turned around to all see the lovely peach coloured sky, the band started to play the faultless ‘Desert Night’. Standing towards the back it was quite the sight to see 20,000 faces turn to see one drop of light and then back towards the stage when the music dropped.
It became clear as a sign of unity with everyone dancing to songs and turning around to see the sunset. One of those “Wasn’t this a great, Summer?!” Type of days. As the music continued to come through the guys didn’t disappoint. Huge anthems and electric horn sections.
Listen to Surrender RIGHT NOW!
When a band has such a grasp on its audience, it’s easy to believe they might become biggerthan their boots. RDS have not. Their recognition to their home grown roots is palpable. They love us as much as we love them.
Swallowed into the trenches of fans, the music quaked. While many were lost and sticky,“Sarah!?!? Where’s Mike!?” echoed over the seas of people. They all ended up finding each other. Small romances bounced in the air. Sometimes with some of the past-mentioned contraband.
I’ve been to a about a bajillion live concerts. I’ve only seen 3 with lighting set-ups like this had. Have you ever been in a pyramid of lasers? Have you ever witnessed a backdrop that swayed in the music and made you feel like you were both in a Van Gogh painting and in an Eclipse ? Pretty rare.
Pictured: Confetti fills the air between the RÜFÜS DU SOL crowd and stage.
Photo by: Mitch Lowe
A few years ago, I had the privilege of living with my best friend. ‘Innerbloom’ came out just about that time. A song we both appreciated in our own times, in our own rooms, but we always new it was a song for the ages. “This will be big” type. When they played it toward the end of their set, the crowd knew it was coming but the person next to you could never imagine the thousands of people singing in harmony to the one next to them.
As the time rolled on, the songs became more emotive. Don’t quote me, but they did. We decided to beat the traffic and watch the end from the top of the hill. As the last song came on the airway filled with the song - ‘Treat You Better’. You can sing this about one person or you can sing it to 25,000 people, this closer was a butterfly. Beautiful for all.
As we walked up toward the way home, we had a glance down at the night. We knew we needed to leave but the feeling of “God that was good” remained. The clear melt between the band and the audience was made to feel like everyone was appreciated. It’s so rare to find a band who combines: melody, bounce and slow motion with love.
I’m glad their CD came across my desk.
5/5
All photos by: Mitch Lowe
Click below to view the FULL GALLERY
