Supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets 21st December. 2023
The HBF Arena in Perth was set ablaze on the 21st of December as the final performance of Royal Blood’s World Tour for 2023, supported by the local rock favorites Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, unfolded. The evening was a vacation from the norm and the first destination was dirty rock, followed by some rhythmic intensity, coated in a thick layer unyielding spirit of live music. I felt at home!
The stage was first conquered by “Psychedelic Porn Crumpets“, a tasty 5 piece hailing from humble beginnings in Leederville. Opening hard and fast, they reminded the audience why they are a local delicacy in Perth’s music scene. Their music, a blend of dirty rock reminiscent of Prohibition times, felt like a hidden gem that one couldn’t help but sneak out and enjoy…. almost felt illegal as it was just that much fun.
Jack, Luke, Danny, Wayan, and Chris operated as a well-oiled machine, captivating the crowd with their mesmerizing performance. The energy was infectious, and their set functioned like a musical lava lamp (if you pardon the pun), keeping the crowd moving with purpose driven intent and a generous dose of good times.
Next up were the headliners, Royal Blood, a super-talented duo hailing from the UK. Their inseparable musical bond was evident in their tight stage presence, giving the impression that they were related in a previous life. The setlist, spanning from older hits to new releases, showcased the duo’s versatility and command over their craft.
The catchy beats of their new song “Pull me through” resonated with me, the audience loved it, ensuring its place as a future staple in their live performance regime. The whole set was a rollercoaster of emotions, from swirling mosh pits to the spectacle of Ben going rogue in the crowd (multiple times) while Mike held the fort. Drum solos that could have been standalone songs and a cheeky encore appearance featuring Chris from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets for “Waves” added layers of excitement.
Highlights included “Troubles Coming” (off their 2020 Album) and “Lights Out” (off their 2014 Album), and “Little Monsters” (off their 2014 Album) creating a whirlpool of energy in the mosh pit. The sultry change brought by “Waves” during the encore was a refreshing touch, showcasing the depth in Royal Blood’s music. With Darren on keys, the duo played like a 5-piece band, radiating energy that touched every fan almost like rock n roll sunburn on a hot Perth summers day.
In summary, this concert has earned a spot in the top 5 for this reviewer. A converted fan, the experience of Royal Blood and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets was nothing short of spectacular. The only challenge now is to resist the urge to play “Boilermaker” again on repeat, as it seems to be driving the household a bit crazy!
I am sure they will be fine!
massive thank you to “Frontier Touring” and the “Royal Blood” Team for the access. For more amazing music from Royal Blood check them out on their socials and their website.
Setlist for the gig – Out of the back, Mountains at midnight, Come on over, Boilermaker, Lights Out, Shiner in the Dark, Supermodel Avalanches, Troubles Coming, Typhoons, Pull me through, One Trick Pony, Little Monsters, How did we get so dark, Tell me when its too late, Loose Change. Encore Waves, Ten Tonne Skeleton, Figure it out.