Synths, stars, and stagecraft: Empire of the Sun crafts a D.C. dreamworld

If aliens ever land and ask what a live show should look like, just show them Empire of the Sun.

On May 23, frontman Luke Steele descended upon The Anthem like a space-age messiah. Touring behind their 2024 release Ask That God, the Australian duo brought their surreal, high-concept world to Washington, D.C., turning a Friday night into a high-energy journey through sound, light, and fantasy.

Kicking the night off, Roi Turbo brought a punch of energy with his dynamic electronic soundscape. His blend of retro synths and modern beats hinted at the cosmic adventure ahead, warming up the crowd with infectious rhythms that made it hard to stand still.

From the moment frontman Luke Steele appeared, larger-than-life and decked in his signature celestial regalia, the message was clear: reality had been left at the door. “Are you ready to dance, D.C.?” he asked early in the set, and the answer was a resounding yes. The crowd moved like a single being, locked into a rhythm that didn’t let up for nearly two hours.

The production was nothing short of operatic. Towering visuals surrounded a sculpted face—an eerie, expressionless presence that fans have speculated is a nod to Nick Littlemore, Steele’s unseen counterpart. Though Littlemore wasn’t onstage, his presence was felt everywhere: in the sprawling arrangements, the intricate transitions, and the bold creative choices that defined the show’s structure.

The 17-song set flowed in acts, each featuring elaborate costume changes that walked a tightrope between Kabuki theater and sci-fi fantasia, yet Steele performed with an honesty that made the extravagance feel earned.

The setlist stitched together eras with ease. “Changes” and “Cherry Blossom” stood confidently alongside classics like “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People,” all delivered with fresh energy and intricate visual accompaniment. But even when the tempo slowed down, Luke’s voice cut through the fog, reminding that there’s a real person behind all the spectacle.

Each song felt like stepping into its own unique world, a self-contained story told through sound and vision. The visuals weren’t just backdrops but active players—carefully choreographed light shows, shifting colors, and intricate animations that matched the mood and message of every track.

That kind of musical terraforming made the whole concert feel like a vibrant patchwork of moments, each one inviting the audience to dive deeper.

They built a world, invited us in, and made sure no one left without dancing.