Silversun Pickups, Coast Arcade @ The Gov, Adelaide 22/7/2026
This was one of those special gigs where you can definitely say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Alt-rockers Silversun Pickups were last here in Adelaide in 2012 at the old HQ Complex supporting Birds Of Tokyo. So, there was a lot to catch up on with this awesome band now seven albums deep in to their career which also includes new Tenterhooks. It only seemed fitting that this gig at The Gov was sold out and packed out early. The vibe was buoyant and jubilant patiently waiting for this much loved band to take the stage.
The real find of the night was New Zealand indie rock outfit Coast Arcade. Armed with a solid collection of songs from their debut album released last year they really did impress. Looking genuinely excited to be here they definitely would have won the hearts and minds of a heap of new fans. The Veronicas Untouched was given a right ‘ole touch up making for an unexpected surprise but it was the rest of their set which was loaded with plenty of great songs of their own including Afterthought, Acetone, Greener, the uber popular City Limits and topping things off perfectly with Baited.
As start time got closer it was getting packed down the front with fans wanting that perfect vantage point seeing their heroes the Silversun Pickups up close. As the band took the stage led by drummer Chris Guanlao who came charging out ready to get in to it. Early in the piece the focus was very much on new album Tenterhooks opening with New Wave and The Wreckage. It was all class, sounding and looking awesome with front man Brian Aubert playing with such precision and singing with such intensity. Bassist Nikki Monninger’s influence can’t be forgotten either highlighted by her role in Well Thought Out Twinkles and a solid reminder of the awesomeness of their debut Carnavas.
Panic Switch was a killer moment from Swoon and it was not to be mesmerised by this band as they powered through their set list. Five songs in and Brian said one word “Hello!” He had the crowd right there continuing on saying “it’s been a while, the world has folded itself in to a shit ball… but not in here. Shake that shit off, we’re here to have fun.” With those words said it was over to Monninger who took the vocal duties on Au Revoir Reservoir and another great moment in The Royal We.
If Adelaide didn’t love them enough already Aubert said “it’s true, we love Radelaide” cranking up the time machine going back to 2005 with Kissing Families suggesting it was “a different time back then’. Mean Spirits offered a subtle contrast with its darker undertones followed with the acoustic led Long Gone. If there is any quote I’m going to borrow is that said with Brian stating “sanity is a form of rebellion, stay sane, stay decent , we will check on you”. This was intertwined with the profound experiences they have had in Australia not knowing whether they’ll ever return savouring every moment to “hug koalas, eat as much Aussie food, climb every bridge.” Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) and Dots and Dashes (Enough Already) were brilliant and what a way to close out their main set.
What gems could they have pulled out for the encore? Apart from the obvious there were so many possibilities but it was timeless gems Little Lover’s So Polite and Growing Old Is Getting Old that excited this crowd. Lazy Eye is one of those all time classic songs but tonight it had a touch of epic about it. The band lifted the collective spirits of this sold out crowd in a unifying moment. Everyone knew the words, singing with gusto, it was a powerful moment and that highlight to remember this gig for sometime to come. The scene has been set for a future return and let’s hope it’s not fourteen years until we get to do it again.
Live Review By Rob Lyon