Live Review: Kane Brown – In The Air in Perth 2024
In The Air Tour – 25th of November 2024 at the RAC Arena in Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
Kane Brown’s journey is a classic tale of rags to riches. Once homeless, “the future of country music” overcame adversity and emerged as a multi-platinum selling, award-winning singer/songwriter. Afterall, he’s the proud owner of Experiment – the 2018 album that peaked at number one on Billboard 200, making him the first country singer to reach the milestone in 24 years. The Georgia State-born musician is also the first to have five singles simultaneously in the top five of the Billboard charts. It’s not just within the music industry where Kane Brown spreads his wings – the singer has also featured in Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people. Tonight, it’s Perth’s turn to drench in the impressive resume of one the world’s best.
To close the Australian chapter of the In The Air tour, Kane Brown graces the stage at the RAC Arena in Perth with “Bury Me in Georgia,” an ode to his deep connection to his birthplace. The crowd welcome the country superstar with the fervour of a boy band fanbase, with screams projecting from an eclectic mix of women and men, girls and boys. Many are fixated on the cowboy hat, a scene reminiscent of Tamworth and Nashville festivals, with many in blue jeans, scooting boots and glitters on their faces.
Perhaps it is Kane Brown’s onstage presence, or the strong vocal melody and engaging guitar solo by his band members that set the benchmark for the night’s energetic shenanigans. But there’s no doubt the emotional depth of his performance and twang highlight the southern vibe, leading thousands in the karaoke-charged crowd across the arena to a spark the night of modern country entertainment.
Three songs in and the audience is already treated to some of the biggest hits early into the setlist with “What Ifs.” This 9-time platinum track is one of the most streamed country songs; a classic tale of a guy trying to win a girl’s heart. The artist constantly darts across the stage that’s decorated with a full-piece band, which sometimes dwells into rock territory. The night also flirts with pop classics such as “In The Air Tonight” – a homage to Phil Collins and the tour itself.
By now, it becomes evident that Brown’s biggest asset is his rich baritone voice, adding the emotional depth to his music, with his storytelling ability making his music soulful, highlighting his stage connection with the audience. The plus ones who are unbeknownst to his existence become an instant fan.
The fanbase keeps expending as the night continues with “My Mississippi,” a full-swing country rock performance with thunderous reverberations rivaling a rock concert. Guitars and sweeping violins facing off, capturing the classic essence of modern country, personifying the tingling factor not often felt in other genres. Hundreds who are packed in the two moshpits raised their hands in rock god gestures in awed by the challenge, while the rest of the 7,000 strong crowd left their seats for some country rock wriggling.
It’s is not just the stage that propagates the visual experience. Blue pyrotechnics crisscross the RAC Arena, occasionally creating artful shapes on the back walls through hundreds of laser beams, rivaling a rave mega party in a family friendly environment.
“Y’all ready for the next song?… I don’t know man, I said, ‘Are you ready?!'” Kane Brown’s voice echoes as the synth plays in the background, like a scene from a Stanley Kubrick movie as fans are hypnotised by the audio visual hypnosis. The fans oblige to his call.
The fans need a break. On the other end of the mood spectrum, solitude, reflection, and poignancy reign across a trio of songs with “Backseat Driver” sparking the chapter. The lighting above forms a silhouette of the violinist standing in one corner, carving the sentiment in “Homesick,” while Brown sits on a stool in the middle of the stage. The mood matches the lyrics, expressing longing for the loved ones as he spends time away from his fiancée, engraved by the emotional personification that he intertwines beautifully the band. This ballad crosses over to contemporary beauty, leaving fans in complete awe through his vocals. Brown finishes the ballad chapter with “Good As You,” showcasing his maturity and ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level. ‘We love country ballads’ – the moment felt without the literal words.
But the respite is shortlived before the undulating classic showcase of duality continues as the party mood is reignited through “Miles On It” with the 7,000 fans enlisted themselves as backup vocalists. Perhaps the biggest track of the night is “Heaven,” sung with another deep baritone as Brown slithers through the smoky floor, even taking a bottle of water given by a fan and snapping selfies with them. The sincerity and emotion in his vocals is a perfect combination as he concludes the night with “I Love Country Music,” culminating in a shower of confetti.
Kane Brown makes country music his own. He’s not just “the future of country music”; he is the artist the world needs now.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Frontier Touring and Kane Brown for the media accreditation.
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 130 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
