Despite orbiting the Australian music industry for near to a decade, I had a gleaming blindspot when it came to RÜFÜS DU SOL. The global festival favourites from Sydney with a career spanning 15` years kicked off their Inhale/Exhale tour tonight in Perth. One could argue that my limited exposure to their work would mitigate my ability to truly appreciate what was in front of me. I beg to differ.
England’s SG Lewis warmed up the stage with a guest appearance from RAHH. Bathed in a sea of blue light, Lewis greeted migrating fans with a causal wave before dropping into his hit “Back of My Mind”. What became abundantly clear during Lewis’s set was this: the audience had a distinct affinity for deep, bone-rattling bass.
With an audience of thousands spanning decades, gender and race, it became obvious that RÜFÜS DU SOL transcend the boundaries of a typical listener. Mothers with grown sons, rowdy late-teens and flocks of adults who appeared to have weathered many a show convalesced in quiet anticipation. The stage lit up in bright, almost transparent white to show three desks–one fitted with a modified drum kit to its left. As soon as “Inhale” began to play over the speakers, something in the room shifted. RÜFÜS were in control–and they hadn’t even come on stage yet.
All black, sunglasses on and with a personal flare here and there, Tyrone Lindqvist, James Hunt and Joe George offered immediate euphoria with “Brighter.” George wore a permanent smile, one that looked to be a mix of awe and giddy excitement. Lindqvist was so desperately cool that it was almost insulting. Suave, individualistic yet entirely collaborative, RÜFÜS DU SOL moved as one beast; one connected mass of light and sound, everything in its right place at all times.
“Lately” highlighted Hunt’s prodigious percussion, his set up overwhelming and yet the very backbone of each track. His face was unflinching as he fired relentless sixteenth notes spread out across his kit–a mix of SPD’s and acoustic drums–like a smattering of precisely timed bullets. The set was lovingly and artistically crafted, towing the line graciously between deep cuts, a flaunting of the new album and offering the most pleasing of crowd pleasers. There is something so intentional about RÜFÜS DU SOL, right down to their every coordinated movement. If one piece fails, the whole ship sinks. But there is no panic about the trio, no urgency or pressure. The performance flows as if one extended shared limb; something they instinctively know how to operate. Of course, moments like “You Were Right and “On My Knees” elicited screeching responses, and these singles, no doubt played a thousand times, were treated with the same care and attention as the brand new collection.
RÜFÜS DU SOL offered the audience the opportunity to surrender. They are so unwavering in their presence that it’s easy to hand yourself over. They garner trust, and implore a vivid sense of letting go. Each song blends seamlessly into the next, like one endless mix. There is hardly a moment of silence, but this never feels like too much. During “In the Moment” their highly praised light show revealed itself with laser-like green beams shooting frantically into the crowd. Each and every drop is perfectly executed, the tension held in suspense for just long enough to have the crowd grinding their teeth in desperation to feel it hit. Never too long, never too short, they play the human body and soul like another instrument.
During “Surrender” hoards of white confetti rained down upon open palms. Before “Underwater”, Lindqvist disclosed, “this is very special and we’ve been looking forward to this show. Looking forward to coming home.” Each drop seems to outdo the last, and this one was particularly huge. RÜFÜS DU SOL only speak when they actually have something to say. As the beginning of “New York” rang out, Lindqvist admitted, “it’s a trip to play in front of this many people,” thanking the fans for ensuring their longevity as “a lot of our favourite bands don’t last that long”.
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The crowd allowed themselves to be guided into “Treat You Better”, before the unspoken expectation that had been bubbling beneath sticky shoes all night boiled over. The opening chord of “Innerbloom” pulled something primal from the crowd. There is something sacrosanct about this song, but live it feels truly holy. It’s one of those songs. Like a “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Wonderwall” – there is something immortal about the live experience of “Innerbloom.” Finally, and aptly, RÜFÜS DU SOL closed with “Music is Better,” a highlight off their new record.
I’d argue that RÜFÜS DU SOL turning me into a fan within thirty seconds of their entrance speaks volumes; perhaps more than if I were already well acquainted. It proves that their work is timeless, their reach endless, and their talent so formidable that just existing in the sphere they’ve created for themselves is an invitation enough. Through all of the heartfelt scream-singing and misty-eyed fans, my favourite overheard comment of the evening was captured upon leaving: “Ss anyone else fucking deaf?” Yeah, but worth it.
