Live Review: Leon Bridges @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

Los Bitchos warms up the crowd on a cool summer night at The Bowl with their sun-soaked instrumental five-piece live band, full of vibrant and eclectic sound. Their unique style is an exciting blend of surf/garage rock, cumbia, Turkish, Spanish, and Eastern influences, creating a nostalgic vibe. Their exceptional guitar work draws us in with fun and infectious energy, quickly working the crowd into a groove.

Despite not having any vocals in their music, they engage the audience with their catchy guitar riffs, rhythmic percussion and a lively energy for some laid-back listening as we’re encouraged to move our hands sassily to the beat.

Glass Beams appear on stage looking very mysterious and visually striking wearing their signature golden reflective bejewelled and beaded masks that cover their faces. They immediately hypnotise the audience with their fusion of psychedelic, funky instrumental surf rock that draws inspiration from ‘70s-era Indian classical music and disco. Psychedelic patterns of light are projected onto the backdrop to further enhance the sensory experience of their immersive and captivating performance.

They begin by building simple beats into intense rhythms with intricate solos loaded with rhythmic melodies and infectious grooves. They combine modern electronic elements with traditional instruments like the sitar, djembe, and chimes to add a rich, textured layer to their distinctive sound. They mesmerise the crowd, keeping us engaged until the very end and leaving a lasting impression.

The front backdrop is removed to reveal a large open stage surrounded by golden sails draped down from the ceiling around the band. Leon Bridges, wearing a tasselled outfit, enters the stage, walks up to the microphone stand centre stage, and opens the show with When A Man Cries. His smooth, soulful, and evocative vocals draw us into his world, creating an immersive and nostalgic atmosphere.

The stage is set with vintage-inspired props and décor, including old-fashioned microphones and retro furniture, which adds to the old-timey feel and sets the tone of a desert-like landscape to complement his Texas roots and the themes of his latest album.

“I’m excited to share my life with you tonight. I just released a new album called self-titled Leon. Has anybody been listening? This next one, I want to tell you a little story about a dance up in south Texas,” he says as he continues with Panther City.

The setlist tonight is a mix of songs from his entire career, showcasing his evolution as an artist with a focus on tracks from his latest record and more upbeat, groovy tracks from his catalogue to get people up on their feet and dancing. We’re particularly moved by his performance of Coming Home, which he tells is the first song he ever wrote. He effortlessly navigates between soft, tender vocals to powerful, soaring notes throughout.

Bridges picks up his guitar for That’s What I Love with heartfelt reflections on his Texas hometown and nostalgic moments of his childhood. His genuine, soulful expression instantly resonates with listeners during the intimate and reflective nature of his performance.

The soft ambient lights change colours throughout the show with a different intensity to match the mood of each song to create an engaging and dynamic visual experience as we’re taken on an emotional journey with his music. His collaborations with Khruangbin, including Mariella and Texas Sun, are breathtaking in a live setting.

He builds up to a strong continuous groove with Bad Bad News into If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) and Smooth Sailin’, getting the audience swaying and singing along to every note as he dances across the stage with swagger. River is an audience favourite that slows things back down for a heartful singalong as he stands underneath the spotlight for the nostalgic and authentic anthem.

He returns solo with his guitar for an acoustic encore of Lisa Sawyer. Not a pin drop can be heard across the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as we’re transfixed by his incredible vocals, which echo far and wide. The full band returns for a big finale with Beyond to conclude a truly memorable evening.