Aussie post-punk outfit Trophy Eyes took Melbourne’s 170 Russell by storm on Friday ahead of their run of legendary European music festivals in June.
Trophy Eyes lit up Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Thursday night, giving fans a blistering taste of what they’re taking to Europe’s biggest festival stages.
With Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, and Download Festival on the horizon, the Newcastle heavyweights stopped in for a limited run of East Coast shows – no frills, no filler, just Trophy Eyes doing what they do best in packed, intimate rooms.
Best Believe kicked off the night with sharp-edged precision, warming the crowd into a steady boil. Secret World followed, dialling up the emotion and atmosphere with a set filled with punchy alt-rock and punk flair. By the time Trophy Eyes emerged, the place was already electric.
From the opening blast of Bandaid, it was full throttle. Blue Eyed Boy and People Like You came in quick succession, with John Floreani leading the charge like a man possessed. His vocals swerved between raw and restrained, backed by a band that never once let the energy dip.
They dipped into every era – Heaven Sent, Enmore, Suicide Pact – each one landing with the kind of impact that only comes from years of singalongs and spilled beers. The crowd knew every word and made sure the band heard them.
Burden and OMW offered brief moments of reflection before Kill and Breathe You In ratcheted things back up. By the time they hit Chlorine, the entire venue was one giant shout-along. And with You Can Count On Me to close, it was pure release.
Trophy Eyes didn’t just warm up for Europe – they showed why they belong on the world stage. Tight, intense, and emotionally charged, this was a night for the books.
Check out the full gallery below, with photos by Philippa Grosse.
Trophy Eyes at 170 Russell Gallery
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