Current Joys show at Paradiso felt like one of those concerts I know I would’ve regretted not going to.

Photo by Paula Zawicka

Words by Paula Zawicka

The venue was completely packed, from the floor to both levels of the balcony. What started as a queue of fashionably dressed young adults turned into everything from couples slow dancing to people throwing themselves into the music with their friends or completely on their own. There was genuinely something for everyone in the crowd.

The set was heavy on electric guitars, high-energy moments and plenty of interaction with the audience, but it also felt incredibly vulnerable. “Warm Jets” was a personal favourite and an absolute standout live, while the newer songs seemed to lean even heavier. “Symphonia IX” was stunning, and “My Motorcycle” began with a beautiful intro before ending with everyone on their feet.

Even the slower parts of the set worked really well. During the encore, the entire crowd started clapping together before they went into a heartfelt, stripped-down guitar intro for one song. Then they played “I Wish I Could Change,” and I just stood there completely mesmerised, watching everyone around me get lost in the music. It felt incredibly special.

And the crowd itself made the night. From above, watching everyone sway, nod their heads and get completely lost in the sound was such a beautiful reminder of why live music matters. A group of girls next to me spent the whole night holding hands and dancing together at the back of the balcony, and those little moments are what make concerts feel like collective experiences rather than just performances.

There were broken guitar strings, a disco ball, new songs, heartfelt moments and plenty of punching the air. “Kids” was probably the one song everyone knew, and the band came back for an encore to finish the night.

Leaving Paradiso, I realised this was the kind of show I would’ve genuinely hated to miss. Safe to say, I’ll be streaming the setlist for the foreseeable future.

Photos by Paula Zawicka