Live Review: Don Broco @ The Triffid

It had been almost six long years since Don Broco had last played in Brisbane. The British rock band's latest album Amazing Things was released two years ago, and this was the first time their Aussie fans would hear some of these songs performed live. 

The anticipation was high, as the band had been making waves in the music scene with their unique blend of rock, pop, and metal. The night promised to be a treat for alternative music fans, with support acts Wayside and alt. setting the stage for an unforgettable night. 

The evening was welcomed by Melbourne's alternative four-piece, Wayside. The group got the crowd ready and swaying to their blend of punchy drums, hard-hitting bass, ambient guitars and smooth melodic vocals creating a warm atmosphere for what was to come. 

Up next was Adelaide's alt. who are no strangers to getting the crowd going. These guys have been making waves in the local heavy scene and showcased perfectly why they are one of the bands to watch in 2023. The Brisbane crowd immersed themselves into the group's set and definitely won themselves some new fans, with one punter loudly declaring to the band, “THAT WAS A GOOD SONG!” to which vocalist, Daniel Cullen-Richards, politely replied with, “Cheers man”. Both support acts did an excellent job of warming up the crowd and setting the stage for Don Broco's performance. The Triffid was now ready for the main event.

Don Broco took to the stage to roaring applause and cheers from the crowd. The band kicked off their set with the heavy-hitting song Pretty. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear that Don Broco meant business on their return down under. The band did not hold back any punches by splitting the crowd down the centre for a wall of death during the opening song - the first of multiple.

From Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan right through to Uber, the Bedford rockers led us through the tracks that Aussie fans have been eagerly awaiting to see performed live in quick succession. The band slowed things down for the crowd favourite Come Out To LA, showcasing drummer Matt Donnelly's angelic vocal chops and not stealing, but borrowing the spotlight from the energetic frontman allowing him to take a well-deserved mini break in between his sections.

Lead singer, Rob Damiani, was a commanding presence on stage, and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. During the 2015 single Automatic (from the album of the same name), the singer had the entire crowd of The Triffid on the floor and sent them launching into the ceiling during the song's climax. Damiani engaged with the audience between songs and kept the energy level high throughout the entire show with his charm, charisma and a mullet that would fill any Collingwood F.C. supporter with pure envy.

The band took Brisbane on a journey of old and new songs which would please long-time fans and those recently introduced to Donnie B. During their performance of ACTION, the group recruited alt.’s Daniel Cullen-Richards to up the ante - bringing his own unique, heavy vocals to the track which were originally performed by Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo.

The group seemingly finished the set with the crowd favourite, cowbell-heavy, rootin' tootin' single, Everybody before departing the stage to thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. However, it was clear that Brisbane fans were not ready to call it a night yet. Encore chants began to boom throughout the venue, but the stage remained eerily still. With no sign of the group returning, the crowd erupted in a chant of "ole, ole, ole" in which the stage lighting began to dim and brighten with the chants, almost as if the venue itself came to life to demand this encore.

After what seemed like forever (not quite six years forever) they came back on stage and played their latest single Fingernails before Damiani thanked their Aussie supporters, promising to not leave another huge gap before their next Australian performance. 

The band closed out the show with T-Shirt Song, their infectious, fan favourite anthem, and as the crowd sang along at the top of their lungs, the energy in the room was at an all-time high, with dozens of T-Shirts cooling down the heated crowd as they were swinging above their heads - it was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie, and it's something the crowd will remember for a long time.

Overall, Don Broco's performance at The Triffid in Brisbane was nothing short of spectacular. The band's energy, musicianship, and stage presence were top-notch, and they had the entire crowd engaged from start to finish. The night was a perfect blend of old and new songs, and the band's performance was a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft. Don Broco may have been away from Brisbane for six years, but they definitely made up for lost time with this unforgettable performance.

Setlist:

Pretty
Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan
Gumshield
Uber
Come Out To LA
Automatic
Bruce Willis
One True Prince
Technology
ACTION w/Daniel Cullen-Richards of Alt.
Endorphins
Anaheim
Everybody 

Encore:
Fingernails
T-Shirt Song