Live Review: Laufey @ AEC Arena 28/07/26

Laufey w/Leonie Biney @ AEC Arena 28/07/26

Her name may bring about every pronunciation you can think of, but it is also unmistakably individual. Laufey has brought her A Matter Of Time Tour to Australia after massive success overseas and shortly after her last sold-out tour in 2024.

Unsurprisingly, the masses descended on the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, which had much on offer even before the music began. Two merch booths with lines merging into each other, photo opportunities in front of the album backdrop and DJs to keep the blood pumping. A vast array of well-dressed individuals (and groups) kept with the unofficial fairytale dress code. Fans wearing Laufey's signature felt crown were scattered throughout the crowd.

The support for the tour was Leonie Biney, an English singer-songwriter touring Australia for the first time. Guitar at the ready, Biney delivered soulful folk rock and jazz vibes to the ever-growing crowd. Backed by drums and keys, she laid down the foundation for the good times ahead.

Her set ranged from the first song she ever shared publicly ('Beach Song') to unreleased material ('I Like'), with “Animal Crossing vibes” and bossa nova stylings thrown in for good measure. In short, Biney gave us everything we needed for the night.

Halfway through the break, the velvet curtain was drawn to faintly reveal the stage – a façade of a Disney-type castle flanked by stairs and the musicians' quarters. Laufey's character Mei Mei the Bunny appeared on the side of the stage, much to the cheer of the adoring crowd. Once gone, the stage was ready for Laufey.

The music swelled to reveal the stage in full colour, a homage to old Hollywood in style, and the wording ACT ONE. Laufey arrived resplendent in glittery red with matching heels. The opener 'Clockwork' had all the trimmings of Hollywood musicals of yesteryear. The quartet of dancers that accompanied Laufey on stage moved with great physicality and precision throughout the night.

"I’m so happy to meet you all," Laufey beamed as she moved into 'Lover Girl' and 'Dreamer'. In the latter, Laufey's amazing vocal control and stage presence were definitely on show as she made her way up the stairs of the castle to a love swing.

Being a multi-instrumentalist, Laufey donned the guitar for 'Silver Lining' before settling down on the steps downstage. "Thank you so much. You sold us out!" Laufey exclaimed, also mentioning that she was paying it forward by coming here, being from Iceland, which struggles to attract big concerts. With that in mind, she came to the audience at the front, touching as many hands of the concertgoers as possible. "See what I do for you! Cardio!" She was out of breath, but still maintained her vocal prowess for 'Too Little, Too Late'.

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ACT TWO saw a more intimate moment for all in attendance. The band moved downstage, which resembled a small jazz club, with Laufey returning in a flapper-style dress. "Perfect for a rainy night… wine in hand (or apple juice)," she joked. Performing the tracks 'Haunted' and 'Fragile', the concept of the jazz club atmosphere was distinct. Even the images on the side screens had close-ups in sepia of fingers on the keys or the brushes for the drums.

This act also included the best-dressed recipient Jamelia, who was inspired by the album and had the song titles displayed throughout her dress. She was awarded the Adelaide crown by none other than Mei Mei. The concluding song 'Let You Break My Heart Again' had us as a chorus, beautifully singing along. In comparison to the rock singalongs I have been to of recent, this hit differently.

The minuscule ACT THREE had us all with our phones lit up for 'Carousel'. Then the beautiful orchestration of 'Cuckoo Ballet' became the soundtrack during the interlude that allowed the dancers to shine. Laufey also blessed us with her cello playing during the interlude at the front of stage.

After a brief costume change video, Laufey returned for ACT FOUR in a purple rendition of the flapper dress from before. 'Mr. Eclectic' and 'Madwoman' had the crowd in full voice and loving every moment before she brought the tempo down with 'Promise' and her piano playing.

The effortlessness and endurance Laufey showcased between instruments and performance was like a veteran of the stage. The magical moments continued with 'Tough Luck' before a moment of reflection. As an introduction to 'Snow White', Laufey talked about her awkwardness as a kid, and how we sometimes have those shitty days. But as we venture through the jungle of emotions, "so much less alone... less crazy," when at a concert like this.

The end of the act featured Laufey performing her biggest song, 'From The Start'. Every single person seemed to be singing along and, if they weren’t, they were dancing as much as they could. The FINAL ACT had me unprepared, even though she mentioned to 'brace your heart". The jump scare of screeching and distorted instruments got me. Well played, Laufey. 

The encore kicked off with fan favourite 'Castle In Hollywood', which Laufey claimed the audience "keep bullying me" to put in the setlist. The moment that tugged at my heartstrings was before the song 'Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self'. As a father of a young daughter, Laufey's message of being brave young women and chasing your dreams got to me. "Become your expressive selves," she encouraged. This message, the presents Laufey received from the front row and the performance of the song culminated in a truly wholesome moment that made me hug my daughter a little bit tighter when I got home.

Although the singer-songwriter mantle seems to be dominated by others at this present time, it's artists like Laufey that will have longevity. Blending genres, remaining wholesome and showing talent among multiple disciplines make her a truly unique artist. It's only a matter of time before everyone else realises this.