Empire of the sun band
Jim’s growing alienation from his pre-war self and society is reflected in his hero-worship of the Japanese aviators based at the airfield adjoining the camp. “I think it’s true that the Japanese were pretty brutal with the Chinese, so I don’t have any particularly sentimental view of them,” Ballard recalled nrfi picks. “But small boys tend to find their heroes where they can. One thing there was no doubt about, and that was that the Japanese were extremely brave. One had very complicated views about patriotism loyalty to one’s own nation. Jim is constantly identifying himself, first with the Japanese; then, when the Americans start flying over in their Mustangs and B-29s, he’s very drawn to the American.”
The dramatic attack on the Japanese prisoner of war camp carried out by P-51 Mustangs is accompanied by Jim’s whoops of “…the Cadillac of the skies!”, a phrase believed to be first used in Ballard’s text as “Cadillac of air combat”. Steven Bull quotes the catchwords in the Encyclopedia of Military Technology and Innovation (2004) as originating in 1941. John Williams’s soundtrack includes “Cadillac of the Skies” as an individual score cue.
The camp prisoners march through the wilderness, where many die from fatigue, starvation, and disease. Arriving at a football stadium near Nantao, where many of the Shanghai inhabitants’ possessions have been stored by the Japanese, Jim recognises his parents’ Packard car. He spends the night there with Mrs. Victor, a fellow prisoner who dies shortly thereafter, and witnesses flashes from the atomic bombing of Nagasaki hundreds of miles away.
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Praising the album as “colorful and maximalist music,” AP suggested, “Start with the shimmery ‘Cherry Blossom.’” Consequence of Sound noted, “The disco-tinged ‘Music on the Radio’… is a thumping, bass-heavy psychedelic jam, with Steele utilizing his cherubic falsetto and the duo offering a hypnotic groove.” Stereogum said, “ taps directly back into that sleek synth-powered festival-pop vibe the duo made its name on.”
The last few years have been huge for the band with standout performances at the likes of Coachella, for their third time, Ultra Music Festival, Outside Lands and Governors Ball. The 2015 US West Coast tour culminated in a spectacular sold-out headline performance at the legendary Hollywood Bowl venue in front of more than 17,000 fans.
Attending an Empire of the Sun concert is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and this show was no exception—it was, without a doubt, one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. From start to finish, EOTS delivered a mesmerizing performance that captivated the audience. Their live energy is absolutely phenomenal. Every minute of the concert was an immersive blend of music, visuals, and theatrics. The light show was dazzling, perfectly synchronized with their signature electro-pop sound. The background imagery added a surreal, dreamlike quality that made the performance feel like stepping into another world. Luke Steele’s wardrobe and makeup were the icing on the cake. His bold, avant-garde style was nothing short of “freaking cool,” and it added an extra layer of artistry to the entire spectacle. Every element, from the sound to the visuals, was meticulously crafted to create a unique, unforgettable experience. Empire of the Sun live is not just a concert—it’s a journey. If you ever have the chance to see them perform, don’t hesitate. It’s an electrifying show that will leave you wanting more.
We LOVE Empire of the Sun music…BUT….we were disappointed that one of the band members didn’t show (and it was not mentioned at all even though apparent). Also there was a lot lip syncing and overdubbing. Guitar was live…vocals were not. Costumes good and crowd was plentiful…Hollywood Bowl always a good time.
“I think what brings us back is what Edgar Cayce said, is that sound is the medicine of the future, and I think we’re seeing that now, and I think that’s what’s always binded us together, is to make things that would live in the hearts,” Littlemore said.
Empire of the sun tickets
Empire of the Sun has announced the 2025 North American leg of their Ask That God tour. The headline run will kick off on February 26 at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena and include shows at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (April 28), the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA (May 3) and New York City’s Brooklyn Mirage (May 21). See below for full itinerary.
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo, consisting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. They have been active since 2008, and have released three studio albums. Their debut record, Walking on a Dream (2008) achieved double platinum status and produced several popular singles such as “We Are the People” and “Standing on the Shore”. They received international recognition for their hit single, “Alive”, which charted in the US. Their second record, Ice on the Dune (2013), charted in the US and Europe. Most recent album, Two Vines (2016), was a moderate success in Australia and the US. Empire of the Sun tour heavily, having toured with such artists as Coldplay and performing at festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella.
Their seminal debut album, Walking On A Dream, which the musicians described as “a spiritual road movie” spawned iconic singles “Walking On A Dream” and “We Are The People”. The critically acclaimed second LP, disco-pop Ice On The Dune featured “Alive” and “DNA” and saw the band tour the world. Third LP “Two Vines,” saw the band welcoming guests like Lindsey Buckingham, members of David Bowie’s band from the Blackstar sessions, and Wendy Melvoin from Prince & the Revolution and featured singles “High And Low” and “Way To Go”.
With Steele’s background in The Sleepy Jackson and Littlemore’s founding role in PNAU, the duo embarked on a sonic odyssey that has captivated audiences worldwide. Since their emergence, Empire of the Sun has transcended boundaries, blending alternative electronica with mesmerizing visuals to create an immersive musical experience unlike any other.
