Sienna Skies, Down & Out, Left On Seen, Connections @ Crown & Anchor Hotel, Adelaide 14/2/2025
They say when Cupid shoots their bow, people fall in love. For Sienna Skies and Adelaide, a fourth, packed out show in around a year tells you there is something magical in the air.
It is Valentine’s Night and the band ventured from NSW to play a one-off show at The Cranker and asked Adelaide to turn up. Well, we did. We had drinks, we got close and there was music. All very romantic.
Starting tonight’s love in is Connections, the four-piece fronted by Felicia Tassone, are playing to a near capacity room already and those in early are treated to a combination of melodic metalcore, a touch of prog and all garnished with theatre. Tassone’s acting skills come out with every syllable performed with Shakespearean panache. During songs like Facade, her vocals swing from flying angel to terrifying demon in an instant. The look on the audiences faces when this happens a mix of shock and smiles. Behind it all, drummer Denzel emotionally feels every beat, eyes closed and singing every lyric like a front row fan. The serenity within the power, impressive. There is passion in this crew which is infectious.
Next up on the nights love in is Left On Seen. a favourite of the headline band and it’s easy to see why. The bands vibes are golden Labrador with the zoomies, it’s fun, bouncy and vocalist Ashlea Crane isn’t afraid to come out into the crowd to share that vibrancy. The music intermingles pop punk, quirky rock and elements of No Doubt while adding the flavouring of being indescribably Australian, a charming, roguish aspect to their performance. Recently dropped EP Wilted, birthed only days ago, is greeted like an oldie, a great indicator the band is on the right track.
Down & Out have the unenviable task of following two bands that have landed their jump and revving the crowd up for the headliners. A mighty task however it’s one they do with minimal fuss. The group is naturally vivacious as the music, animated lively pop punk, is the fizzy cold drink on a hot day. Fresh and satisfying. The crowd is all in as the band bounce, punch and rip through their set which screams ‘follow that!’
Well, Sienna Skies do. The love fest is all around as a fan is brought up to show his tattoo of the bands drummer on his leg and then the group launch. Literally. The tiny stage becomes engulfed by the band with each member jumping and headbanging.
It may seem an odd comparison however the only time I’ve ever watched a band and got sensory overload of the action on stage was Slipknot. Sienna Skies vivacity tonight matched that, I just didn’t know where to look and it was brilliant.
The setlist does stretch over their career however the newer tracks from Only Change Is Permanent is where the real action is. Mess and Cut Me Off wonderfully delivered by a band that knows what they are doing.
Vocalist Thomas Pirozzi, drenched in sweat, continues to hit the high notes while attacking every tiny piece of space with his electrifying stage presence. This is a band having fun and teases for the bands next musical adventure.
Word reaches me the show sold out and witnessing the band up close, it’s not a surprise. Tonight was a beautiful moment in time that may change lives forever. It’s not a coincidence Sienna Skies keep coming back here, Adelaide crowds love them. The perfect relationship for Valentines Nigh
Live Review By Iain McCallum