Empire of the Sun’s concert Saturday night will include electronic music, special effects, dancing swordfish girls and playful costumes from audience members.
Kelly Trom
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Electronic duo Empire of the Sun will hit the Central Coast for the first time Saturday night at Avila Beach Resort as part of its larger tour promoting its new album Ice on the Dune. The Australian band is known for its first single “Alive” and the global hit “Walking on a Dream.” The band can be recognized by its unique electronic dance-style music as well as crazy costumes that call to mind both ancient and futuristic civilizations.
Fresh off headlining the HARD Summer festival, the eccentric duo will bring that same theatrical energy to the stage on the beach.
“Their whole experience is jaw-dropping visuals, dancing swordfish girls and worldly special effects,” Collective Effort Events co-owner Tyrone Galgano said. “It is almost like a theatrical performance. There are costume changes throughout the performance.”
MTV Australia described the band as a mixture between the world of “Sparta” and the computer game “Tron” with back-up dancers from “Blade Runner.”
Audience members who are inspired by the band’s playful and dramatic vibes are encouraged to dress up in costume, especially since the concert is so close to Halloween.
“The music is very upbeat, so it is definitely going to keep people on their feet and dancing throughout the night,” Galgano said. “One of their hit singles is titled ‘Alive,’ and everything is focused on that word itself.”
Chemistry junior Jenny Stenger-Smith first started listening to Empire of the Sun in high school and is excited to attend the concert this weekend.
“I like their music because it is catchy and really fun to dance to,” Stenger-Smith said. “I’m most excited to have an amazing time dancing to awesome music with the rest of the crowd.”
The opening act, indie rock band Basic Vacation, will be playing hits off of its self-titled debut album that was released this month.
The venue boasts a south-facing beach, a wide open grass lawn, a full bar and food available for purchase. Seating is general admission, so audience members can move around the venue or even bring a lawn chair and sit in the putting area toward the back.
“If you want, you can muscle your way up to the stage and be close to the stage and enjoy the concert from that view,” Otter Productions, Inc. owner Bruce Howard said. “Or if you want to get a beer or glass of wine, or just go and chill, you are not stuck in one place.”
Tickets are still available and Cal Poly students can receive a $10 discount by buying tickets at the PolyTix office anytime this week.