LIVE: Empire Of The Sun - Roundhouse, London 13.10.16

Despite touring to promote their upcoming third album, Two Vines, just two tracks from it appear on the set list tonight. While most acts relish the first chance to test new material on an already adoring crowd, Empire Of The Sun clearly understand that the Camden crowd have gathered to hear the bangers. And besides, more unheard numbers (often leading to bathroom and bar trips) might mean less onstage theatrics.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Empire Of The Sun is the collaboration between Aussie rockers The Sleepy Jackson frontman Luke Steele, and equally Australian Pnau member (perhaps best known for their Elton John sample album) Nick Littlemore. For anyone who cannot see, the band’s visuals are as imperative as the sound; while Littlemore decided to opt out of touring, Steele has enough stage presence for the two of them, parading around the venue as if to signify that he is the Emperor. In an electric blue cape and a crown to rival Marge Simpson in both colour, height and iconic legacy, Luke is 50% dance wizard and 50% rock star.

When the bangers from debut Walking On A Dream and follow up Ice On The Dune are thrown out, it’s as if we’ve all been transported to a distant future where genres, like genders, have evaporated; where meaty singalong choruses and guitar thrashing melt into trippy, pop melodies and electronic dance anthems. ‘DNA’ and ‘High And Dry’ show it well, while ‘We Are The People’ is given a makeover, with the acoustic guitars switched for pulsing effects. Although reworking what is arguably the most anticipated track of the evening is risky, it works.

Despite all of this, there are moments that don’t work. The extravagant instrumentals too obviously lose the attention of the crowd, while rock star antics (guitar smashing, and more guitar smashing) don’t fit the sci-fi scene they’ve set for themselves, where Luke is given messages from a father figure in a sort of Star Wars meets Tron fashion. Having said that, these interludes don’t particularly sit well with the crowd either. With an arsenal of songs seemingly designed to make people dance, and with a new album featuring Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsay Buckingham and former Bowie and Prince band members, Empire Of The Sun have the presence and material to give out of this world performances – but need to make sure that their crowd aren’t brought back down to earth in between tracks.