Under The Light: Concert Review

Happy Aus Music Month! We’re halfway through November and concert week is really beginning to amp up now as international acts hit our shores for their tours. I hope someone else is writing about them, because I’m not!

Instead, I’m celebrating Australian acts that I know and love by buying a ticket to their gigs (and maybe a t-shirt or CD while I’m there!). Tonight’s feature act is indie-favourite San Cisco, with a stacked support line up of Haiku Hands and Touch Sensitive!

Without further ado, this is what happened at San Cisco’s Under The Light show at The Tivoli on November 14th, 2024.

Haiku Hands

I’m amazed at how good San Cisco and their team are at curating a show line-up. When I saw Haiku Hands listed as a support act, I genuinely thought I was getting two shows for the price of one and the girls did not disappoint. Haiku Hands are an eclectic electronic music group, with incredible stage choreography, lyrics dripping with sarcasm, and an infectious enthusiasm for fun in its weirdest form.

Opening with song Fashion Model Art could not have showcased what the band is all about better. Donning oversized suits and pearl headdresses, the band gave us a wry example of how to behave at the party they were kickstarting – remember to compliment people, laugh at their jokes, and smile with your eyes – before tossing streamers over the crowd. We were served some of their best sing-along tracks for the next half hour, including Not About You, Super Villain and the more mellow Paradise. I would have loved to see Jupiter, but hopefully it won’t be too long before their next show and I’d highly recommend practicing their memorable choruses now so you’re ready to sing and dance along next time Haiku Hands hits up your town!

Fave song: Fashion Model Art

Touch Sensitive

I’ve heard of Touch Sensitive (how could I not have?) but tonight was my first time enjoying his dance electronic music as he performed a strong DJ set to welcome the crowd to the gig and warm them up for the main act. For about half an hour, we were treated to a dreamy dance mix, complimented by the bright bass skills of the Sydney-based producer and multi-instrumentalist.

Featuring some newer releases, the set leaves a hope for what’s next to come… not just in terms of tonight’s show but perhaps for some more Touch Sensitive in our clubs and music venues in the new year!

San Cisco

Following their regional tour earlier this year, the band’s return to Brisbane was enthusiastically appreciated by fans at The Tivoli. The prospect of work the next day at the Thursday night gig didn’t prevent us from showing up in full force, ready to dance and sing along to San Cisco’s charming melodies and catchy choruses. The band’s energy kept their guests up way past bedtime, with the gig ending nearly on midnight… but I’ve skipped to the end so let’s go back to the start.

Opening with Summer Days, fans welcomed band members Jordi, Josh and Mitch to the front of the stage while drummer Scarlett took to her pedestal above the crowd. While not depriving fans of their favourites – On The Line, Awkward, Skin and the like – San Cisco was eager for people to hear from their latest album, Under The Light. Although the exciting title track has been well-received this year, it was great to see it joined by Family Trust, One Percent and Consequence. I think Family Trust will be the stand-out that won’t shake from future set lists for a good while.

Something I love about San Cisco is watching how comfortable they get on stage throughout a show. I’ve seen them deal with a few technical mishaps over the years, recovering like professionals and moving on with the performance. But this year they’ve seemed well and truly in their element again, delivering exciting shows that highlight a sense of unity between the band members themselves, as well as their adoring crowds. With every member contributing to vocals on most of the songs, it’s hard not to sing along and join in that moment they share together – it’s very sweet and the exact reason why live music hits so hard.

As we approached midnight, the band made sure to squeeze in an encore featuring their modern-day classic Fred Astaire to make sure the crowd was up and dancing for the catchy Too Much Time Together. The band definitely has a sound they tend to favour – bouncy upbeat indie pop. But what I love most about this music is its vulnerability – that pop vibe makes some of the heavier parts of love and loss and growing up explored in their lyrics easier to acknowledge. The music is honest in a way that isn’t as scary as it might appear to be. I hope we hear more of these introspective songs in the year to come.

Fave song: On The Line

Sounds Good?

San Cisco’s Under The Light tour is almost wrapped up, but put them on your ‘must see live’ list and let’s hope for the best (or a fest!) next year. In the meantime, you might like to give these other acts a listen:

Spacey Jane – Another favourite from Fremantle, Spacey Jane emphasise a ‘beachier’ indie sound. They also have great catalogue of music and a phenomenal stage presence!

The Jungle Giants – The Jungle Giant are another veteran group of the Aussie indie music scene. They’ve kept evolving their sound and introduced some darker beats, but always have that streak of optimism shine through. If you want to welcome the new year in with a bang, join The Jungle Giants in Brisbane this (next??) year!

Hockey Dad – The relaxing surf rock tunes of Hockey Dad can easily lift anyone’s spirits. Like San Cisco, they’re a band that’s easy to listen to and brings a great vibe to the crowd!