Trophy Eyes at Manning Bar Gig Review

photo: James Latter

Having seen Trophy Eyes more than ten times, it’s fair to say I arrived at Manning Bar in Sydney with well-formed expectations. But one of the enduring strengths of this band is their ability to make a familiar set feel urgent and alive even if it is not the first.

The night kicked off with Amends, whose blend of alt-rock and charismatic punk was paired with songs inspired by cryptids and video games. Their set was confident, grounded, and a genuine pleasure to watch. I found myself laughing more than once, thoroughly enjoying the light-hearted moments scattered throughout their performance.

Following them were Secret World, who delivered a set rich in atmospheric hardcore. Having seen them before, I was already familiar with their sound. Though new to some in the audience, they held the room with ease, offering a strong and captivating lead-in to the headliner.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the first note rang out, the energy was immediate. The crowd surged forward, a sea of movement and sound, matching the band’s intensity beat for beat. Especially during this tour the band opened with “Bandaid”, an elder song in their discography. Trophy Eyes delivered a tightly packed set that showcased both their melodic sensibilities and the cathartic aggression that defines their sound. From there, the band wasted no time diving into “Blue Eyed Boy” which like others on the setlist “Suicide Pact”, “OMW”, and “You Can Count On Me” drew particularly visceral responses, highlighting the band’s ability to connect deeply, even in intensity.

One thing I truly admire about Trophy Eyes' shows is the way the crowd is genuinely encouraged to support the opening acts by following them on music streaming platforms. What follows is often a heartfelt moment of appreciation for emerging artists, and a reminder that we're all part of something bigger. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, having grown up in the small Aussie scene. Even now, most of my top artists are still Australian.

There was one dampener on the night. A few people in the pit just… refused to help lift crowd surfers. Arms crossed, letting people fall before they can reach security at the barricade. It’s a shared space, and part of the magic is looking out for each other. It’s something that can really go either way, and it stings even more when John gets on stage to remind everyone to take care of one another and to leave the pit if you can’t. There’s no shame in that.

Still, it didn’t ruin the night. It couldn’t, not for me. A standout moment came after the show, when I was handed a copy of the setlist. This is my second one, though I don’t always go for them, I usually feel a bit greedy if I do. That said, it’s a deeply appreciated token from a band I hold so close to heart.

After more than ten shows, I’m still walking away genuinely moved. It’s not just the performance Trophy Eyes brings to every stage. They never lose their edge. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but I’m not. Every show feels fresh, familiar, and deeply affecting. And sharing it with some of my closest friends only makes it that much more special.