Seminal Australian indie rock outfit, The Cruel Sea, delivered a stellar performance at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre on Friday, 2 May as part of their Straight Into the Sun tour.
The tour is a celebration of the album of the same name – their first studio album in more than two decades. The show was structured in two sets – the first playing the new album in its entirety, followed by a second set with the band delving into their back catalogue.
Both sets highlighted the band’s evolution, blending their signature surf-rock and blues influences with fresh, soulful melodies.
Rather than a nostalgic throwback, the new album feels like a natural evolution—rich in texture, mature in tone, and unmistakably The Cruel Sea. Songs like “Waste Your Time” “You Shine” and even a cover of a Sade song, “King of Sorrow” stood out, weaving bluesy grooves with atmospheric instrumentals.
After a short intermission, the second set exploded into a string of beloved hits. “Delivery Man,” “This Is Not The Way Home,” and the iconic “Black Stick” had the crowd roaring, clapping, and singing along.
Frontman Tex Perkins captivated the crowd with his charismatic presence, swagger, random stage antics and powerfully gritty vocals, while the band’s tight instrumentation underscored their seasoned musicianship.
The Athenaeum Theatre’s intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop and an up-close-and personal immersive experience for fans.
The band has done a bit of touring lately, having reunited in 2024 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their third album The Honeymoon Is Over . They also supported Cold Chisel on their recent successful Big Five-O tour.
Th Cruel Sea’s performance on Friday was sharp and polished and a testament to their musicianship – lasting the distance across decades like no time has passed at all.
The band’s breakthrough came with their third album, The Honeymoon Is Over (1993), which achieved triple-platinum status and garnered five ARIA Awards, including Album and Single of the Year. After a hiatus, they reunited in 2024 to commemorate the album’s 30th anniversary, leading to the release of Straight Into the Sun, their first studio album in over two decades. This comeback was marked by a national tour, reaffirming their enduring appeal and significant contribution to Australia’s music landscape
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