PNAU played an electrifying set full of (Go) bangers to an adoring crowd as part of Brisbane’s Night at the Parkland concert series, held in Roma Street Parkland.
Opening the night was solo acoustic artist Birren. There were some slower and quieter moments throughout his set, including a cover of Leon Bridges’ “River”. Unfortunately these quieter moments meant the crowd was able to talk over him. The set finished with the more upbeat songs “Let the Music Play” and “Relax”, both of which will be on his upcoming album.
Following Birren, electronic artist Alice Ivy brought the energy up with her song “Wildlife”, and moved straight into “Howlin’ at the Moon”. Unfortunately, problems with the microphone and mix meant the accompanying drums occasionally overpowered Ivy’s vocals, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience or the energy she and the drummer brought.
The crowd slowly trickled down from the amphitheatre seating to stand right in front of the stage as the set progressed, and by the end the whole space was full. Ivy switched between guitar and synth, and moved around the stage to engage the crowd standing at the front. “Criminal” was an early standout, due to its catchy-as-hell bass line and gradual build, and the rest of the set continued to deliver many more opportunities to dance before finishing with “Chasing Stars”.
PNAU took the stage quickly and launched straight into songs from their latest album AHHCade: “Tu Corazon (Your Heart)” and “Chemistry”. They moved back through their catalogue with “Go Bang” which was an early crowd favourite, followed by “Wild Strawberries” and “No More Violence” from their 2007 self-titled album, before bringing the tempo down with the huge hit “Cold Heart”. Aside from a couple of “Brisbane, how you feeling?”s, the band didn’t really engage with the crowd during their set. But they didn’t need to, by playing each track in quick succession, they turned the Parkland into a club.
“The Feeling”, a collaboration with Rudimental, 1991, and AR/CO, built and built to its peak before the chorus inspired a whole lot of dance moves reminiscent of the days when drum and bass and dubstep were inescapable. “Solid Gold”, featuring an amazing video based on the song’s artwork, received a big singalong and was a welcome moment to take a breath. A faster, sampled version of “Baby” came next and moved straight into new track “Rockette.”
Singer Annalisa Fernandez brought unlimited energy, fun dance moves, and her powerful voice to the stage, especially when she took lead vocals for “Embrace”. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Nick Littlemore brought his keytar and joined her at the front of the stage. The rest of the set included “Lover” from their 2007 self-titled album, “Eternal” from AHHCade, and a slew of tracks from Changa: “Control Your Body”, “Young Melody”, and “Chameleon”. PNAU are undoubtedly one of Australia’s best dance acts, with their unique sound, countless collaborations and stack of bangers. Seeing them play live is an unforgettable experience and a lesson in how to command a crowd.
PNAU have two more shows planned: They play Night at the Barracks in Manly, Sydney on 25 September and at Yours & Owls Festival in Wollongong on 3rd October. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Nick Littlemore has indicated that he is stepping back from live performances following this run of shows. If this glowing review isn’t enough to make you go and see them, the possibility that these could be among Littlemore’s final PNAU shows for some time should be.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended 19 September 2026
Header image credit: Justine McNamara
