Images: @Gxbriellemxry
Words: Josh Ma
LANY transformed Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion into a haven of dreamy pop beats and heartfelt connections. The setlist, a rollercoaster of emotions, delivered everything fans have come to love about the trio: vulnerability, energy, and a sense of community.
The night opened with the fan-favorite “YOU!”, sparking immediate energy across the venue as Paul Klein and the band emerged from behind white curtains and 007 like spotlights, setting the stage for what felt like therapy on a Wednesday night. This show, part of their long-awaited tour, had been delayed due to Klein’s recent motorcycle accident, adding a layer of poignancy to their return to the stage since their last tour in Sydney in 2022. The crowd was in sync with every beat, and from there, LANY didn’t let up. “ex i never had” and “up to me”brought a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy that’s quintessential to LANY’s style. The wistful “It Even Rains in LA” and the introspective “I Pray” showcased lead singer Paul Klein’s emotional range, leaving fans hanging on every lyric.
In a particularly memorable moment, the band segued into “somewhere / Sugar & Cinnamon”, drawing fans deeper into the introspective core of their music before jumping into fan favorite “care less” from their 2021 album, gg bb xx. Klein’s raw vocal delivery paired with airy melodies set the stage for heartbreak anthems like “Congrats” and the soul-baring “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” making everyone including me grove.
As the setlist progressed, LANY continued to guide the crowd through highs and lows, balancing upbeat anthems with reflective ballads. “dancing in the kitchen”sparked joy and movement, while “pink skies” added a magical atmosphere—complete with a surprise proposal. As the intro to this 2016 hit played, Klein invited a fan on stage with his partner where he got down on one knee, prompting cheers from the sold-out crowd at Hordern.
LANY kept the mellow vibe going with “Alonica”, “Thick and Thin”, and “Out of My League”, while “dna”resonated with deeper emotional undertones. The back-to-back performance of “Super Far / Mean It” brought a jolt of excitement, leading into Klein’s acoustic rendition of “13”, a moment fans had eagerly anticipated. The melodic, minor-key rendition of “Hericane” filled the room with raw emotion, even if played only partially, before the band transitioned seamlessly into “’Cause You Have To”.
The evening’s came with the trio’s powerful nostalgic fan favourite off their 2019 album “Thru These Tears” and “Malibu Nights”, both delivering the full scope of LANY’s signature sound: bittersweet lyrics and lush instrumentals that tug at the heartstrings which are suitable for those are in love or are heartbroken. For the encore, “ILYSB” brought the crowd to a fever pitch, with every word shouted back in a unified, emotional wave. Finally, they closed with the powerful “XXL”, a fitting end to a night that felt larger than life, with Klein diving into the crowd multiple times before the band bid farewell to Hordern in true Lonely Tunes style.
The crowd at Hordern Pavilion was left buzzing, carried by LANY’s effortless transitions between joy and heartache. The show was a reminder of how the band continues to build genuine connections with fans through their music and presence. Every track on the setlist was a perfect piece in the tapestry of an unforgettable evening, proving once again that LANY is more than a band—they’re a shared experience.
