The Unconventional Genius of Oliver Tree – Sydney review and photos
We sent reviewer Chloe Davis-Powell and photographer Adam Davis-Powell to check out Oliver Tree in Sydney. Here’s what went down:
In Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, amid the eager anticipation of a lively audience of young families, mega-fans in costume, and newly intrigued faces, the chaotic whirlwind that is Oliver Tree – made his return to Aussie soil on Saturday night. Setting the tone with “we really didn’t think anyone would show up,” Tree’s music and performance beckons us to delve into the enigma that has earned him an impressive 17.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and 5.82 million YouTube subscribers.
Beyond the Surface
The first few times we had Oliver Tree’s albums on in the background of our home office, I found myself inexplicably drawn in. In one song I would be riding the undulating bass lines eager to dance, on another, I was envisioning kaleidoscopic road adventures high with my childhood pals. I refrained from looking him up online, happily captivated by the chaos of this genre-hopping wonder. So when I first witnessed a stage performance from him earlier this year, the puzzle pieces began to fit, and only now would I discover the multitude of influences that drive his differentiation from song to song. And I’m so glad it happened this way – because although Tree transcends the realms of conventional artistry in his wild, pantomime-like shows, the internet personas may have left me thinking this was an artist for the Tik-Tok generation… But I implore you to see beyond simply the flamboyance – and instead listen to the space in his lyrics he has carved out for other misfits, with an undeniable sense of introspection and musical growth across each album.
Personas & Musical Influences
Despite sometimes convincing proclamations of being born in every city he performs in, Oliver Tree’s love for Australia lends credence to the notion that he’s a global citizen in his heart – embodied throughout his various personas. Tree’s deliberately confusing and intertwining alter egos are all part of a larger, carefully orchestrated strategy to build a unique relationship with his audience. Eliciting emotional responses, creating a sense of anticipation, and establishing a narrative that keeps fans guessing and engaged. By understanding each caricature he embodies, it becomes clear that Oliver Tree is not just an artist but also a master of the art of performance and storytelling.
Hailing from the vibrant landscape of Santa Cruz, California, Tree’s artistic journey commenced at a remarkably young age, and learning piano at three paved the way for a musical prodigy in the making. From penning compositions at four to releasing an album at the tender age of six, his foray into the realms of guitar playing and DJ-ing during his high school days laid the foundation for his eclectic fusion of electronic beats and hip-hop influences. But it was his single aged 23, “When I’m Down” back in 2016 that captured the attention of Atlantic Records, propelling him into the spotlight. And since, he has produced four EPs and three studio albums, including the platinum-certified track “Alien Boy.”
Pre-2016, under the pseudonym Kryph, he delved into a range of musical genres, collaborating with the likes of Skrillex and Zeds Dead, even experimenting with ska as part of the band Irony. His ventures into dubstep led to a deal with London-based R&S Records, later resulting in the release of his debut EP, “Demons.” Notably on this label, his cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police” received praise from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.
With the release of his debut album, “Ugly is Beautiful,” in 2020, Tree was able to pay homage to the various rock influences he loved growing up, while incorporating his unique blend of pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements along the way. He has said David Bowie as well as David Byrne of Talking Heads have influenced his artistic persona along the way, as well as clearly contributing to his genre-defying musical style. Tree’s music videos, notably the visually stunning “Hurt,” have further garnered attention for their extravagant production costs and his distinct brand of playful humour.
How did Sydney’s Hordern performance go down?
At the beginning of the month – Tree released his latest album – Alone in a Crowd, and Saturday’s Sydney performance was an opportunity to weave in the new with the old. It’s a dynamic album that has critics split – but seemingly showcases his unique vocals and versatile style. There’s also some undeniable boppers on there.
Delivering the crowd the energetic “Bounce” to the dreamy “One & Only,” his ability to weave in new songs alongside older anthems like “Cowboy Tears” and “Life Goes On” – against a continual backdrop of various short ‘films’ and satirical American style ads (with cameos from the likes of Eminem selling ‘Goateegrow) made for a true spectacle of a show. A multiverse of costume changes, electrifying medleys, the tour – about to hit Europe isn’t one we’ll forget in a hurry.
So If Tree comes to a city near you – head out and embrace the chaos – or if it sounds downright exhausting, delve into his earlier raw sounds – minus the supporting visuals – and you’re bound to join the myriad of cult listeners before long.
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Check out our photos of support act Sueco below:
Words by Chloe Davis-Powell. Photos by Adam Davis-Powell.
