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Leon Bridges at Riverstage: Polished Performance, Soulful Elegance

Writer's picture: Ben PreeceBen Preece

Leon Bridges performs at Riverstage and is photographed by Lachlan Douglas
Photo by Lachlan Douglas (Instagram: @somefx)

LEON BRIDGES, GLASS BEAMS

THE RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE

FRIDAY, 17 JANUARY 2025

 

It has been raining all week, and for a moment, it seems like the weather might hold off for the open-air gig at the Riverstage tonight. However, three-quarters of the way through Glass Beams’ opening set, the rain arrives, and ponchos appear en masse across the crowd.


Sonically, the Melbourne trio might not seem the most obvious choice to open the evening, but their performance is both welcome and highly entertaining. Led by Indian multi-instrumentalist Rajan Silva, their set evokes an ominous mood—heightened by their bejewelled masks—and is enriched by an alluring fusion of electro-psychedelia and traditional Eastern sounds. The result feels like the estranged younger sibling of Khruangbin, mysterious and captivating.


The rain subsides, and Leon Bridges takes the stage, flanked by a seven-piece band and framed by grand ballroom curtains. A frequent visitor to Australia, Bridges has built a rabid following of devotees who appreciate his consistent presence and talent.


Marking 10 years since the release of his debut album, Coming Home, he’s here to promote his fourth record, Leon. The performance leans heavily on the new material, with nine of the 13 tracks making the setlist cut. Opening with 'When A Man Cries' and 'Panther City,' the performance initially struggles to find its rhythm. It’s not until the fifth song, the title track from his debut, that the crowd’s enthusiasm finally aligns with Bridges’ polished delivery.


Still, something feels amiss. While Bridges’ smooth vocals and natural charisma are intact, the performance lacks the dynamism of his earlier tours. The band, though technically flawless, delivers the material with a precision that feels more restrained than inspired. Whether it’s the MOR-heavy nature of the new songs or the dampened atmosphere, the connection between artist and audience feels muted.


Visually, the production doesn't miss—soft lighting and vintage ballroom curtains lend the stage a refined, cinematic quality. However, this careful presentation occasionally underscores the night’s lack of unpredictability, making the performance feel more curated than heartfelt.


The setlist highlights Bridges’ artistic growth but does tend to lean heavily on Leon. Tracks like 'Steam' and 'Texas Sun' (originally recorded with fellow-Texans Khruangbin) stand out, offering welcome moments of energy. A disco-inspired medley of 'You Don’t Know,' 'Bad Bad News,' and 'If It Feels Good' lifts the tempo and earns an enthusiastic response, but these bursts of vitality are fleeting and are too good to be edited down to shorter versions.


Leon Bridges performs at Riverstage and is photographed by Lachlan Douglas
Photo by Lachlan Douglas (Instagram: @somefx)

As the main set approaches its conclusion, the inclusion of older hits like the magnificent 'River' and 'Smooth Sailin'' are tonight's shining lights, properly reigniting the crowd’s excitement, and clearly displaying the soulful charm which first defined Bridges’ appeal.


The encore, featuring the poignant 'Beyond' and the tender sway of 'Lisa Sawyer,' ends the evening on a warm note, with the audience more engaged than at the start. However, as the crowd filters out, it’s clear that while the performance was polished, it lacked the emotional intensity that made Bridges’ previous tours so memorable—and the heart needed to stand out amidst the saturated lineup of live music, both recent and forthcoming.


Leon Bridges performs at Riverstage and is photographed by Lachlan Douglas
Photo by Lachlan Douglas (Instagram: @somefx)







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