Decomposing Trees

It's been awhile since I have had such anticipation about a show. Having read reviews of the first and second nights as well as hearing about how amazing his performances were from other friends I had a high set of expectations about seeing Sufjan Stevens.

Sufjan did not disappoint, not just living up to the expectations that I had but delivering an sublime two hour set with three encores. Add to that second row seating with a great view of everything that was happening on stage made it an almost perfect night. I can't deny that there were a few songs I would have liked him to play but I quickly forgot about them as his performance just grabbed my attention.

Over the course of the night he made a few switches between playing with his backing orchestra and band (which including My Brightest Diamond and St. Vincent) and playing songs solo as well as a few costume changes (and some hula hoop dancing).

While I enjoyed the majesty of many of his songs such as 'Chicago' or 'The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!', I found his unaccompanied performances as awe inspiring. His stark performance of 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr', unaccompanied on piano was just as, if not more powerful and moving than other grander songs that were performed during the night

I would have to say my highlights for the night were 'Casimir Pulaski Day', one of my favourite songs off Illinois, the stark performance of 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr' and the performance of 'The Lord God Bird', a treat that had been requested by a random person from Melbourne that had bumped into Sufjan.

He ended the night with 'The Dress Looks Nice On You' from Seven Swans, to me a perfect way to finish the night and his run of shows as part of the Sydney Festival. I only hope he comes back VERY soon.

Anyhow, for those interested in the setlist, Sean from A Reminder has it as well as his own review of the third night.