Live Review: Imagine Dragons, 44th Sunset

Perth-based 44th Sunset sets the tone with their eclectic fusion of pop, rock'n'roll, a touch of folk and country. The haunting vocal marriage between Nik Thompson and Jess Clancy is especially effective.

Dan Reynolds' day is going from bad to worse. A few minutes into Imagine Dragons' first track at their only Melbourne show, the frontman accidentally splits the drumhead of his massive, side-mounted signature drum. A quick rotation of the drum, however, and the show goes on. Reynolds is pitch-perfect and performs before an enthralled audience.   

The Las Vegas-based indie-rock band climb ever higher with each track from their debut album, Night Visions. With a distinctive blend of African beats and pop-rock rhythm underlying tracks such as It's Time, Demons and Amsterdam, the band soars with their affirmative anthems about overcoming pain and relishing the euphoric moments in life. It is the statuesque Reynolds who undoubtedly commands the night with his towering, charismatic presence, continuously sweeping across the stage with nimble dexterity while simultaneously singing and playing any of the four different types of drums spread across the floor. He is backed very strongly by the slick performances of his band members, all of whom also provide backing vocals to complement Reynolds' earthy, powerful voice.

As the band tease the crowd in the lead-up to their current two chart-topping singles, the anticipation is palpable. Reynolds proudly lets the crowd sing the opening verse of On Top Of The World before joining in. When they save the best for (nearly) last, and the long drum introduction of Radioactive starts to thunder, young men literally wipe tears from their cheeks. The crowd on the upper levels threaten to bring the floors down with their enthusiastic jumping. It is the definitive dream moment of anyone who attends a rock concert. Every detail of this show – from the carefully selected and timed lighting design to the band's seasoned rapport with the audience – is already finely honed in anticipation for Imagine Dragons meteoric career trajectory.