Cover photo: @emgringo
A Neon Spectacle: Empire of the Sun’s Forest Hills Takeover
The Ask That God: Afterlife Tour recently touched down at the iconic Forest Hills Stadium, where Empire of the Sun transformed the open-air venue into a sprawling, synth-pop dreamscape. Rather than relying solely on the nostalgia of their early hits, the duo curated a high-octane performance that seamlessly bridged the gap between their latest sonic explorations and the anthems that defined their career.
Production Value and Atmospheric Precision
Forest Hills Stadium provided the perfect architectural backdrop for the band’s grand aesthetic. Luke Steele, draped in his signature avant-garde regalia, commanded the stage alongside a dynamic ensemble of live musicians and choreographed dancers. The production was a masterclass in visual storytelling; the integration of massive LED displays and precise, rhythmic lighting cues ensured that the audience remained visually tethered to the stage. From an audio perspective, the mix was remarkably crisp. Despite the challenges of an outdoor setting, the low-end frequencies and shimmering synth layers remained distinct, allowing Steele’s vocals to soar without being swallowed by the instrumentation.
A Setlist That Bridges Eras
The evening kicked off with the driving energy of “Desire,” setting a brisk pace that continued through tracks like “Changes” and “Half Mast.” It is rare for a legacy act to integrate new material without losing the room’s momentum, yet Empire of the Sun managed this balance with ease. By weaving in “Old Flavours” and “Cherry Blossom” early on, they established a cohesive narrative flow.
The audience’s engagement was palpable, reaching a fever pitch during the performance of “We Are the People.” The sheer volume of the crowd singing the chorus served as a reminder of the band’s enduring cultural footprint. As the set progressed through “Television,” “High and Low,” and “Music on the Radio,” the energy remained consistent. Unlike many modern tours that lean heavily on “greatest hits” packages, this performance felt like a living, breathing evolution of their sound. The inclusion of “Revolve” and “Swordfish Hotkiss Night” kept the atmosphere electric, proving that their newer compositions possess the same infectious hooks as their breakout records.
The Grand Finale
As the night reached its climax, the band delivered their most anticipated moment. The opening chords of “Walking on a Dream” triggered a massive, stadium-wide sing-along, cementing the night as a highlight of the current touring season. With synth-pop continuing to see a resurgence in popularity-evidenced by the genre’s 15% growth in streaming market share over the last two years-Empire of the Sun proved they are not just survivors of the 2000s indie-electronic boom, but active architects of its future.
