Live Review: Avicii, Will Sparks and New World Sound – Perth Arena January 27th 2014

Upon arriving at Perth Arena on the warm Monday afternoon, you could see the electricity in the air, along with the anticipation in everyone’s eyes. Patrons were still dressed in the top of patriotic fashion from their post- Australia day celebrations with rub on tattoos starting to peel and Australian flags tied around their necks like capes.

The energy was infectious, people rushed in to get a great spot in the front or to the middle so they could dance their night away to the (already) legendary Acivii.

New World Sound took to the stage like they had been doing this their whole life. From both of the DJs jumping onto the mixing desk sending the crowd insane, to grabbing their iPhones and taking photos and videos of the crowd dancing away. What was a special treat was when Tyrone of New World Sound announced to the crowd “ We have a new song featuring the voice talent of Lady Gaga, and we want you to hear it first Perth” It was an honour. After New World Sound finished their set, about a third of the crowd must have rushed off to get a drink to relinquish the heat from dancing, and then rushed back just in time for the always impressive DJ/Producer Will Sparks.

After making such headway in such a short period of time, the Australian artist showed the crowd that he has immense talent and can pull it off likea professional in a live setting. It is still clear in my head the broad, exuberant smile on Will Sparks face as he smashed each and every track causing people in the seated areas to jump up and join in the movement and celebration. People weren’t too happy to see Will Sparks leave when he finished his set but now it was the final stretch, before our ears and minds were to be blown by the original and signature sound of the one and only, Avicii.

As the lights dimmed and the tension in the air sprung high, the crowd roared because they knew something magical and enjoyable was about to happen. The soft acoustic beginning to ‘Hey Brother’ started projecting from the speakers which made the crowd continue to scream and sing along to the lyrics in eagerness and excitement. And then… Boom! The cannons shot out thousands of streamers into the crowd at the drop beat of the song making the crowd jump and dance like crazy.

It was hit after hit with Avicii from then on in, the arena was filled to the brim with attendants either staring hypnotised at the renowned DJ, or moving along to the flawless tracks produced before them. Every song that a fan of Avicii’s might want to hear at his concert was played including, ‘You Make Me’, ‘Levels’ and the smash hit ‘Wake Me Up’.

The visual imagery projected on the screen behind Avicii captured his music perfectly and was an enjoyable experience all round. Hundreds of hands were in the air punching along to the bass or trying to grab at the artist himself. Everyone was captivated by his presence and by his sound, Avicii had the audience right where he wanted them and was putting every ounce of energy and passion into his performance.

After dozens more tracks and a few pyrotechnic extravagances the artist settled into the end of the show with a satisfying and energised conclusion leaving every audience member with a smile and a fantastic night of memories to remember for the years to come.

Catch Avicii on Tour Dates

Friday 7th February: Melbourne – New Guernica

Saturday 8th February: Wollongong – Beach Bar (Day)

Saturday 8th February: Sydney – Chinese Laundry (Night)

Friday 14h February: Canberra – Trinity

Saturday 15th February: Brisbane – Bowler Bar

Words by Daniel Morley, Photography by Ella Konrad-East