Empire of the Sun Transcends In Boston

Legendary Australian electronic music group, Empire of the Sun, stopped by Boston's Xfinity Center on August 28th as part of the Ask That God: Afterlife tour. The group, formed by Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, is known for a transcendent, timeless sound that blends retro-futuristic visuals with equally sparkling tracks. Fans of all ages stormed into the amphitheater in boho-chic attire, including flowy skirts, headwraps, and flashy metal chain belts. Many sported Steele's signature performance crown: a red semicircle with a silver stripe down the middle.

The lights dimmed, and fans released thunderous cheers. Two dancers in psychedelic outfits complete with bejeweled moon and eyeball headpieces and grand red kimonos carried out bonsai trees and set them on the stage. Steele emerged through the smoke in a glistening red jacket, creating a stunning contrast between his jet-black hair and funky white guitar. Opening tracks like "Changes" and "Cherry Blossom" boasted shimmering instrumentals that filled the venue with energy. Fans jumped and danced to the beat, savoring the final moments of summer while smiling ear to ear. Each song was as catchy as the last, infusing the crowd with infectious joy.

The two dancers implemented a plethora of costume changes that fully immersed Boston in Empire of the Sun's lush dreamworld. The next look featured white face masks, red bobs, and rhinestone-encrusted kimonos as they walked hand in hand to the edge of the stage to throw confetti. Their dynamic choreography underscored the bass-pumping instrumentals, which were brought to life by the live band. Steele was a man of few words, fostering a sense of community and belonging where everyone could dance like no one was watching through his expansive discography of lively music. He uttered, "Greetings, fellow Empyreans," the creative name for fans of Empire of the Sun. The show brought the definition of Empyrean to life, creating a heavenly and bright realm for everyone to lose themselves in.

Early on in the set, the ensemble performed the beloved track "We Are the People," which has taken on a new viral life almost 20 years after its original release in 2008. Every fan sang along at the top of their lungs, a testament to the staying power of the band and the fact that a good song will always have its moment. The dancers became human disco balls as the lights reflected off their jumpsuits, adorned with glass pieces and medieval knight-style masks. Steele transitioned into a sleek, reflective silver coat and stepped off the stage and down to the barricade to sing with fans. The crowd gasped as they admired Steele's aura and stage presence up close, mesmerized by his resonant and smoky vocals. He paused to show some love to a fan wearing a matching headpiece in the front row, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Empire of the Sun held the energy high throughout the rest of the set. Steele continued to one-up himself, bringing out breathtaking pieces like a coat with black hair fringe and gold charms. His white coat with broad, sharp shoulders, long white hair, and quilted sleeves made him look like a mystical creature. These looks raised the bar and took the show to another level, the same way the band continues to hone their singular style with each album.

They ended the night with the decade-defining track "Walking on a Dream" before returning for an explosive encore that fittingly concluded with "Alive." Lyrics like "loving every minute because you make me feel so alive" reminded everyone of the importance of gathering as a community to celebrate life. Through trippy visuals, steadfast vocals, mesmerizing instrumentation, and Steele's effortless command of the crowd, Empire of the Sun created an unforgettable night for Xfinity Center. Make sure to catch them live before the Ask That God: Afterlife tour ends in October. Buy tickets here.