Live Review: Dom Dolla @ The Domain, Sydney

It goes without saying that Dom Dolla’s performance at The Domain on Friday night (29 November) had high expectations.

For starters, 2024 has been the year of the Aussie DJ’s meteoric rise. Following sell-out shows at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, a co-headline slot with Post Malone at Spilt Milk festival and a Grammy nomination, it’s abundantly clear Dom Dolla is a force in Australian music.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, so being an attendee felt like a real privilege. But as much as the anticipation was high, nothing could have prepared anyone for the storm that rolled in. Instead of that balmy summer night, we were greeted by a deluge of heavy rain, howling winds, and a downpour that tested everyone’s resolve.

Fans arrived at the venue ready for whatever the weather had in store—rain jackets, gumboots, and umbrellas in hand. An effusive sense of positivity lingered in the air. There comes a point where you’re so wet you must embrace it. 

While some were clearly hoping the storm would ease off, it wasn’t looking promising. Yet, somehow, the crowd didn’t seem to care. The energy still felt electric. I saw a young man who was probably no older than nineteen rolling in the mud, clearly having the time of his life. 

Opening act Torren Foot set the tone for the night, easing the crowd into the vibe with funky house beats. Later, Flight Facilities emerged onto the stage and delivered an affable DJ set that successfully hyped up the fully submerged crowd. However, as soon as it came time for Dom Dolla to emerge, something shifted. The rain had finally eased. 

Tracks like Mansionair’s Strangers really kicked things off on a strong note. “Could all of you get your lights out for this song?” Dolla requested. The crowd responded immediately. From that moment, it was clear that Dom had already won us over despite the storm.

From Lana Del Rey to The Dare, Dolla crafted a setlist that had something for everyone. At one point, he dropped Spiderbait’s Black Betty, grinning as he told the crowd, “I haven’t played this song in six months.” It was clear Dom was happy to be home.

Throughout the night, Dolla navigated the shifts in crowd energy with ease—building, dropping, and building again—never letting the rain or the conditions get in the way.

The heavy downpour did make things a little more challenging. The ground was slick and muddy; at times, it felt like the storm was testing everyone’s commitment to the night. I also noticed a real sense of camaraderie amongst the crowd. It was like we were all in the trenches together. Some folks weren’t as interested in dancing as they were in staying dry, but for the most part, everyone embraced the moment.

Visually, the production was solid, with vibrant, shifting lights cutting through the rain and creating an engaging spectacle despite the weather. The stage also featured lasers, spurts of fire, and fireworks in every other song. Even if the rain made it a bit harder to fully appreciate the full scale of the setup, the lights and effects were enough to create a striking contrast against the dark, stormy night. 

Dom Dolla’s skill as a DJ was evident in moments when the crowd fully locked into the groove. Tracks like Rhyme Dust and The Vibe were standouts, drawing the crowd in with their fat basslines. Despite the rain falling steadily, the crowd kept the energy high, feeding off the music and the sense of togetherness. It was clear everyone was there for the same reason—the music. No one was letting the weather get in the way of a good time.

One of the things that stood out about Dom Dolla’s performance was his ability to stay focused and engaged with the crowd, regardless of the conditions. He never let the storm affect the vibe, always keeping his eyes on the crowd and delivering the kind of set they were there for: a solid mix of house, tech-house, and all-around feel-good energy. 

By the time the show ended, the rain was still pouring, but it almost felt like part of the experience by that point. People were soaked to the bone, but there was a sense of collective satisfaction in the air. It wasn’t the most comfortable concert I’ve been to, but sometimes that’s what makes a night memorable. The storm made it feel like the crowd had truly earned the experience, and it gave the night a story that you will probably be telling your parents about soon.  

In the end, despite the weather, Dom Dolla delivered precisely what he came to do: a high-energy, well-curated set that kept the crowd moving and gave everyone something to remember. And when the night was over, everyone walked away drenched but smiling. As I exited the venue, a young girl who looked like she had just been showering in mud smiled at her friend, vape in hand, and said, “Let’s do that again”.

I couldn’t help but agree.