Live Review: LANY

Digital numbers tick over, counting down LANY's arrival. Pink smoke fills the arena, and the band emerges in full force with get away, the first track off their latest album gg bb xx. They continue with Thick And Thin and old favourite Super Far, which quickly gets the crowd jumping along to every synthesized beat.

It’s not long before the mosh pit crowd begins throwing long-stemmed roses at lead singer Paul Klein as he drags a small podium from one side of the stage to stand above his adoring fans. He also accepts a pink cowboy hat from a fan that’s perfect timing for him to wear for their song Cowboy In LA. 

“It feels so good to be back. This is the best city in Australia!” Klein exclaims to the audience who have been waiting to see LANY return since their last visit three years ago. They continue to keep the energy levels at a steady high. Klein demonstrates incredible showmanship and strong stage presence by running laps and even diving into the mosh pit at one point before making his way through to the lower seated area to sing amongst the excited crowd stage left.

The stage setup is simple, yet they make great use of onscreen graphics and visuals to enhance the performance experience by matching the way each song feels. Solid backgrounds and lyrics flash before us in bold text to accentuate the chorus of some songs to encourage the crowd to sing along at the top of their lungs. The ebb and flow of LANY’s musical journal of human emotions and fleeting micro-moments are brought to life before us. Dancing In The Kitchen is one particular track where we can appreciate and celebrate the little things in life that quickly pass us by.

LANY’s set has a consistent indie-pop sound full of effortlessly groovy guitar riffs and predominantly features most of the material from their new album and an old mix of favourites from the previous three. We soak up their dreamy pop songs packed with undeniably catchy melodies and fun choruses that are relatable and they take us through all the motions of heartbreak, make-ups, love, loss, and dancing.

After taking a quick break from the stage, the band returns for an encore with fan favourites you! and ILYSB. As Klein croons the final lyrics the band puts their arms around each other before taking a bow and shouts, “Well see you next year. We’re coming back for the rest of our lives Melbourne!”