It can be hard for a band to do a 'comeback' or reunion show - there are so many factors at play. Will their fanbase still be loyal? Will anyone show up? Will they be as good as they were 20 years ago? Do they still have 'it'? Playing the Tivoli in Brisbane as the final leg of their 20 year reunion show, naughties legends Killing Heidi proved that they very much still do have 'it', in a euphoric display of angsty power pop bangers. 

 Having joined them for the tour, Brissie indie rock band Eliza and the Delusionals opened the night, amping up the crowd with their lighthearted, guitar driven tunes. Eliza's fluorescent orange hair wildly whipped about the stage as they played some new tracks, as well as better known singles Salt and The Ground. 

 Sydneysider ILUKA was up next; her indie-pop meets gospel soul vibes were commanding and strong, dominating the stage with a godly presence as she played tracks from her EP Blue My Soul with a powerful vengeance. Another perfect choice for a crowd hanging out to watch Killing Heidi - she had an air of exuberant confidence which seeped into the atmosphere and hung over the crowd who watched in awe. The lineup of dynamic women also served as a dickhead repellent, which added to the sanguine demeanor of the crowd. 

Finally, the band who everyone was waiting to see bounded onto the stage, controlling the stage with the kind of expertise you would expect from a band of this degree. Opening with Calm Down, Ella Hooper quickly eased my worries that they would not appease my anticipation, her sleeves billowing as she poured the same 'emo angst' into her vocals as in the early 2000's. People were hanging from the balcony (and frankly, I was worried someone would fall), and primary coloured lights illuminated the stage, giving the band a terrific aesthetic. 

They played mostly their 'hit' songs, like I Am, Mascara, Kettle and Weir, as well as Want Everything (by The Verses), and Monkey Mind (one of Ella Hooper's originals). Leave Me Alone and Superman/Supergirl were unlikely choices for the encore, but this didn't deter the fans from pouring their heart into every word and song. I hope this is only the first of many many more shows from Killing Heidi - they are still killing it after all. 

Olivia Shoesmith