Empire of the Sun is an electronic duo from Down Under comprising Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. They released their debut album, Walking On A Dream, in 2008. The title track and the follow-up single We Are The People were big hits in their home country as well as internationally. Despite having individual commitments, Luke and Nick continued to work together on Empire Of The Sun projects, releasing three further studio albums: Ice On The Dune (2013), Two Vines (2016) and Ask That God (2024). I have grown to really appreciate their signature sound, often defined by Asian influences, and the juxtaposition of laid-back melodic tracks with infectious dance beats.
They are known for their electrifying live performances and elaborate costumes that often showcase stunning headpieces. Sean Warren from Tmrw sums up the experience of an Empire of the Sun show: “An Empire of the Sun concert isn’t just a concert; it’s a transcendental experience. Imagine a sonic and visual spectacle so immersive it feels like a celebration on Thor’s home planet of Asgard. Steele, with his kaleidoscopic costumes and electric charisma, performs like a cosmic rock god, fusing fantasy and reality”.
Needless to say after such a glowing review, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience this “sonic and visual spectacle” in person when the duo brought their Ask That God Tour to Under The K Bridge, a concert venue that is literally under the Kosciuszko Bridge in Brooklyn and super annoying to get to since there is no subway or bus stop nearby. The show had been moved from Brooklyn Mirage due to ongoing renovation or permitting issues at the venue. The first part of the evening was not fun: standing under a bridge in rain and wind, the start of a Nor’easter, while Gen Zers blow their smoke or vapors in my face is not my idea of a good time. I was cursing Brooklyn Mirage for the first 90 minutes of the evening.
But then the show started and all was forgiven. It was a spectacular visual feast with breathtaking projections and gorgeous costumes that had the audience mesmerized from the electrifying opening until the final song. Indeed, Bobby Talamine from JBTV Music notes that the backdrops and sets are “striking and bold, followed by a gigantic backdrop LED screen display, with vivid graphics thought out to a storyline involving four acts, presented with honesty, and also attention to detail”. It really felt like you were watching a work of art unfold on stage. Luke’s vocals were also incredible, especially when he hit the falsetto in some of the tracks.
The complete setlist was as follows.
ACT 1
Changes
The Feeling You Get
Half Mast
Cherry Blossom
We Are the People
ACT 2
Way to Go
DNA
Television
ACT 3
Music On The Radio
Revolve
High and Low
Swordfish Hotkiss Night
ACT 4
Ask That God
Happy Like You
Walking on a Dream
Encore:
Standing on the Shore
Resurrection
Alive
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