A single beam of light points to the end of a catwalk as Brisbane Magandjin's Entertainment Centre erupts into cheers. Lorde appears from beneath the stage kicking off the first show of her Australian ULTRASOUND tour with the track Hammer.

The stage seems quite bare at first with only a sound system behind her, but Lorde fills the space with ease. I notice the music is not just coming from tracks, but from her band on the wings either side of stage, set up almost like performers in the pit at an opera or ballet.

I am already impressed with the stage set up and creative visual elements of the show at this point, unaware that the whole night would be an absolute masterclass and that this is only the beginning.

Hammer is followed up by Royals, a crowd favourite of course. Everyone in the seated areas springs up, singing every word. With the following track, Broken Glass, Lorde is joined by her two dancers on stage, NANA and Evan Sagadencky. The crowd goes wild as Lorde pulls at her belt.

Another track from Pure Heroine follows with Buzzcut Season. The production is again amazing here. The live visuals on the screen behind her are divided into different shapes, cutting perfectly between the many cameras on stage. It feels like watching a concert film or music video directed in real time, especially with the onstage props like the turbine fan that Lorde is now singing behind.

The tracks off of her latest album, Virgin, fill out most of the setlist and they sound incredible. About a quarter of the way into her set we get the first track off another fan favourite, Melodrama with Perfect Places.

A quick aside here to shout out the staff at The Brisbane Entertainment Centre, who were so kind and attentive to every attendee. The level of care I saw them showing towards audience members who may have felt overwhelmed or otherwise needed support was impressive. They ensured everyone had as safe and enjoyable an experience as possible. They’re a real credit to the venue.

The changes on stage and in the performance are subtle but with maximum effect. Whether that’s Lorde surrounded by lights, throwing off her jeans in Shapeshifter or her band joining her on stage for Current Affairs as Lorde lies on the riser lifting her up, a perfect lead into Supercut and some down tempo moments to follow.

The band is tight and Lorde’s vocals sounded impeccable during the entire set, whether she is running, jumping across the stage or striding on a treadmill. Some heavy hitters fill out this section of the setlist, including 400 Lux, The Louvre, Solar Power and Liability. Lorde sitting in the pit with her band during Solar Power and giggling through a wrong note on the guitar feels genuine, endearing and sweet, shrugged off with a carefree “Can you reach me? No, you can’t!”.

Green Light had the Entertainment Centre jumping under the bright green house lights. The entire show has been so well paced to this point and this feels like a fitting euphoric crescendo. I assumed that was is the end of the show, however during the follow up David, Lorde began making her way through the crowd from one end of the venue to the other. Climbing onto the FOH, Lorde closes up the night with an encore of A World Alone and Ribs.

My first time seeing Lorde was Laneway Festival 2014, when the hype around Pure Heroine was at its peak. At this point I didn't really know much about her, but I walked away from her set fully converted, the hype was real and well deserved. My feelings this time, more than a decade later, were no different. Lorde is at her very best. It is clear she cares deeply for her fans and the connection they’re able to share on tour. You can feel it through the effort and small details she puts into her live shows. If you have the opportunity to see her live, I can't recommend it enough.

Upcoming Ultrasound World Tour shows

Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena - 18-19 February

Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena - 21-22 February

Perth, RAC Arena - 25 February

Live Review: Lorde at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

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