Pix by Sakina Indrasumunar
Words by Angela Croudace
On September 20, Liberty Hall in Moore Park, Sydney, came alive with the sounds of The Maine‘s The Sweet Sixteen Tour. The Liberty Hall provided an intimate setting where the bands delivered powerful performances that resonated deeply with the fans, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the cozy venue.
The night kicked off with a captivating set from Australian indie pop/rock band FELONY. Led by a fierce yet petite female vocalist, FELONY delivered an angst-filled performance that expertly balanced grit and sweetness. Their gloomy pop aesthetic resonated throughout the venue, drawing the crowd in with infectious energy.
Following FELONY, the US duo Joan brought their catchy, upbeat rock to the stage. With a sound reminiscent of ’90s pop and disco, their standout track, Love Somebody Like You, had the audience dancing and singing along. The dynamic between FELONY and Joan created the perfect atmosphere for The Maine, setting a high bar for the headliners.
When The Maine took the stage, the vibe shifted to something truly special. As pop emo staples of the 2000s, they’ve delighted fans with hits like Am I Pretty? and Loved You a Little, alongside collaborations with Taking Back Sunday and Charlotte Sands. The Maine initially made waves as a brightly coloured “Neon Punk” band, with lyrics often focused on love, heartbreak and girls, after all they were all young, slightly immature boys when they started the band. Over the years, they’ve matured, evolving their sound into more sophisticated rock, drawing influence from bands like The Killers, especially evident in their later releases.
The crowd was a mix of longtime fans and curious newcomers – some had come at the behest of friends who were devoted followers. It was heart-warming to witness everyone bonding over the music, with smiles plastered across their faces throughout the evening. John O’Callaghan, the charismatic lead singer, took a moment to connect with the audience, expressing gratitude regardless of how long they’d been listening – “Whether you’ve been here for 18 years or 16 seconds.” This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the night: a community brought together by the joy of good music.
Callaghan electrified the crowd in his shimmering black suspenders and white singlet, his neatly styled hair and tattooed arms exuding an effortless cool. At the same time, the entire band radiated that same vibe. He introduced a fun twist with a live decibel display, challenging the audience to scream louder to make the numbers soar. In a playful moment, he asked everyone which football teams they supported, noting that the Sydney Swans were playing against Port Adelaide just meters away. After the crowd enthusiastically shouted their favourites, Callaghan cleverly said it was his favourite, too, adding to the light-hearted atmosphere.
The Maine’s set was filled with their signature melodies and heartfelt lyrics, leaving the audience buzzing long after the last note faded. A notable transformation over the years was the boys trading their emo swoop fringes for long, luscious locks. Guitarist Jared Monaco sports a stunning strawberry-blonde mane that could make anyone jealous. (He even pulled the uber-cool ex-scene queen Jac Vanek, whom I once idolised and was convinced I would marry, but I digress…)
Overall, the night was a celebration of the bands’ talents and music’s unifying and uplifting power. If this performance is any indication, The Maine consistently crafts memorable experiences that resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike. I was thrilled to relive fond memories of a band that brought so much joy and excitement to the emo era of music.
