Images: @Gxbriellemxry

Words: Josh Ma

LANY transformed Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion into a haven of dreamy pop beats and heartfelt connections. The setlist, a rollercoaster of emotions, delivered everything fans have come to love about the trio: vulnerability, energy, and a sense of community.

The night opened with the fan-favorite “YOU!”, sparking immediate energy across the venue as Paul Klein and the band emerged from behind white curtains and 007 like spotlights, setting the stage for what felt like therapy on a Wednesday night. This show, part of their long-awaited tour, had been delayed due to Klein’s recent motorcycle accident, adding a layer of poignancy to their return to the stage since their last tour in Sydney in 2022. The crowd was in sync with every beat, and from there, LANY didn’t let up. “ex i never had” and “up to me”brought a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy that’s quintessential to LANY’s style. The wistful “It Even Rains in LA” and the introspective “I Pray” showcased lead singer Paul Klein’s emotional range, leaving fans hanging on every lyric.

In a particularly memorable moment, the band segued into “somewhere / Sugar & Cinnamon”, drawing fans deeper into the introspective core of their music before jumping into fan favorite “care less” from their 2021 album, gg bb xx. Klein’s raw vocal delivery paired with airy melodies set the stage for heartbreak anthems like “Congrats” and the soul-baring “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” making everyone including me grove.

As the setlist progressed, LANY continued to guide the crowd through highs and lows, balancing upbeat anthems with reflective ballads. “dancing in the kitchen”sparked joy and movement, while “pink skies” added a magical atmosphere—complete with a surprise proposal. As the intro to this 2016 hit played, Klein invited a fan on stage with his partner where he got down on one knee, prompting cheers from the sold-out crowd at Hordern.

LANY kept the mellow vibe going with “Alonica”, “Thick and Thin”, and “Out of My League”, while “dna”resonated with deeper emotional undertones. The back-to-back performance of “Super Far / Mean It” brought a jolt of excitement, leading into Klein’s acoustic rendition of “13”, a moment fans had eagerly anticipated. The melodic, minor-key rendition of “Hericane” filled the room with raw emotion, even if played only partially, before the band transitioned seamlessly into “’Cause You Have To”.

The evening’s came with the trio’s powerful nostalgic fan favourite off their 2019 album “Thru These Tears” and “Malibu Nights”, both delivering the full scope of LANY’s signature sound: bittersweet lyrics and lush instrumentals that tug at the heartstrings which are suitable for those are in love or are heartbroken. For the encore, “ILYSB” brought the crowd to a fever pitch, with every word shouted back in a unified, emotional wave. Finally, they closed with the powerful “XXL”, a fitting end to a night that felt larger than life, with Klein diving into the crowd multiple times before the band bid farewell to Hordern in true Lonely Tunes style.

The crowd at Hordern Pavilion was left buzzing, carried by LANY’s effortless transitions between joy and heartache. The show was a reminder of how the band continues to build genuine connections with fans through their music and presence. Every track on the setlist was a perfect piece in the tapestry of an unforgettable evening, proving once again that LANY is more than a band—they’re a shared experience.

Photo: Beth Saravo

Words: Zac Farr

THE GREAT POP REVIVAL

Static sounds and flickering lights… the screen teased retro super film as the subs began to tease the heart… a voice over transported us into a special place… the Hordern was ready… ready to witness something magical… an eagerness somewhat like when man walked on the moon filled the room… and there she was… the twenty one year old icon… taking her rightful place as the future of pop… taking us to brand new, magical places. 

She doesn’t just have a fantastic vocal range or songs that have become the anthems of millions of her fans lives. Tate McRae brings everything pop is onto one stage. The dancers, the sas, the sexy, the songs, the stage design… she has created her own little world and invited us along for the ride and it is no accident. We owe it to the sacrifice she made being placed in the spotlight at 13, a sacrifice that has equip her with a wealth of knowledge throughout all fascists of the industry to add spice where it is needed, write songs with depth, ensure her people are loved with rooftop pop ups and collude dance, lights and ballads to strike the hearts of anyone who found themselves in the Hordern Pavilion at 9pm on a Tuesday night. 

Tate showed off her spectacular taste having Seattle born Charlieonnafriday open the night with a wonderful little set full of his hit singles such as Enough, I’m not crazy and After Hours as well showing of pieces of his new album WILD CHILD with tracks such as When it Rains filling the room with pure joy. His eclectic sound that merges pop, country tones and a mellow hip hop forces heads to nod and the hips to sway. The perfect to vibe to warm up the Mcrazies for the main event. 

Opening with the heaving hitting Think later had the sea of Jerseys, high ponies and stuffed teddies going word for word alongside her from the get go. With vibrant dance breaks and guitar solos she and her team brought their A-game showing of her latest Album THINK LATER in all of the awe inspiring ways. She also gave the day ones some love including the tracks uh oh and she’s all I wanna be as well as the song that really put her on the musical map at sixteen you broke me first. There is something quite special when someone can bring together the die hards, the fathers, the broken hearted and the joy filled to sing together under one roof tracks like exes next to guilty conscience really emphasising how different people, from different worlds can have such powerful shared experiences. 

Overall, Tate was five stars, she inspired the woman to own who they are, back each other, enjoy where they are at and being a little bitter sometimes isn’t such a bad thing. She currently holds a prominent space in the pop scene and with The Kid Laroi on her arm partnered with some of lasts years biggest and best pop songs there is not much stopping her from stealing all of Australia’s hearts.