Live Review: Thundercat @ Sydney Opera House

Thundercat descended upon the Sydney Opera House, unleashing a musical storm defying categorisation.

With his eccentric blend of avant-garde jazz, RnB and groove, Thundercat (Steven Bruner) lit up the audience like the famous sails were lit up with a live performance that pushed generic boundaries and expectations. From the moment he took the stage, his live-wire presence commanded attention, igniting the Concert Hall with palpable energy.

Thundercat's virtuosity and verve were on full display. His dextrous fingerwork on the bass was nothing short of stunning, charming the crowd with intricate meanderings and lightning-fast improvisations. The anomalous combination of skill and showmanship left no doubt as to why Bruner has collaborated with such a diverse range of artists, including HAIM, Kendrick Lamar, and George Clinton – among many others.

It’s such a rare platform: having the bass at the centrepiece of a band and yet Thundercat's unmistakable basslines prove to fully live up to the hype. Tracks like Them Changes and Dragonball Durag proved to be unstoppable forces, coaxing yews and head bobs. The seamless fusion of jazz-infused harmonies, infectious rhythms, and Thundercat's soulful vocals created an irresistible sonic landscape, inviting everyone to surrender to the groove.

Supporting Thundercat's sonic explorations was the high-intensity drumming of Justin Brown. His powerful beats served as the foundation for Thundercat's intricate compositions, elevating the performance to even greater heights. The symbiotic relationship between Bruner and Brown onstage added an extra layer of intensity to the already electrifying atmosphere.

It is worth noting that Thundercat made his Vivid LIVE debut with not one but two back-to-back shows, marking his first solo Australian performance in a decade. Despite the jet lag and the frenzy of his deft fingerwork, Thundercat showed no signs of fatigue. His passion and energy were infectious.

Thundercat @ Sydney Opera House by Jordan Munns