Listening to Silversun Pickups since 2009, this show felt like 15 years of anticipation finally coming to life. So when the chance came to travel to Sydney to see them, I jumped. Catch and Release was the song that hooked me all those years ago, and I’ve followed every album since. For anyone who knows SSPU, Brian Aubert’s honeyed voice is the centrepiece — youthful, twangy, unmistakable. Nikki Monninger’s backing vocals and irresistible bass, Joe Lester’s sorrow‑tinged keys, and Chris Guanlao’s relentless drumming complete the sound.
But the moment Brian spoke, it was clear something was wrong. Instead of that honeyed tone, he was drinking honey tea.
The final show of their Australian tour — and he had lost his voice. As the music kicked in, the crucial ingredient was missing, and I found myself on a soul‑destroying journey, yearning for a voice that never arrived. I tried closing my eyes, focusing hard, hoping to catch the melody, but it slipped away.
The one shining moment was Panic Switch. The crowd carried the melody, and for a brief time I felt the full power of the song. But most of the set was lost to me.
Between songs, when Brian spoke, you could hear fans begging him to save his voice for singing. He was dedicated — he truly wanted to perform — but I couldn’t help wondering whether the show should have been cancelled. Looking back, I wonder if the band felt the same. The sound setup felt hollow; even if Brian had been able to sing, I’m not sure we would have heard him clearly. Nikki’s bass was inspiring, Chris gave everything on the drums, and Joe’s piano — usually so soulful — was drowned out. Songs that rely on that emotional depth were missing from the setlist.
I was shocked to realise the band were solely dependent on Brian’s voice — that no one tried to carry the vocals forward in his unmistakable absence.
With Brian unable to sing, the show drifted into what felt like an accidental instrumental performance. It made me wonder whether they missed a huge opportunity: to change up the setlist, strip things back, lean into acoustic arrangements, or even spotlight Nikki and Joe more. Instead, they pushed through the original set as if nothing had changed, and the night suffered for it.
They should have played Running Out of Sound (another of my faves) from their latest album TenterHooks, because that’s exactly what was happening.
And no, they didn’t play Catch and release…
One thing stood out: SSPU fans are fiercely loyal. Looking around, I saw plenty of merch, head‑banging, singing, smiling — the awe of being in the presence of a favourite band. That energy alone seemed to carry the band through the night.
Undeniable classics regardless: Lazy Eye, Panic Switch. but mostly a very odd setlist
I want my honey back!
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