Australian rockers Middle Kids stopped through Minneapolis last weekend on their Today We’re The Greatest North America tour.

Atlanta-based Mattiel opened the night with an intimate and haunting set. Composed of singer Mattiel Brown and guitarist Jonah Swilley, the duo dazzled the audience at Fine Line. Taking the stage under a pair of dim, white spotlights, Swilley built intricate guitar loops to accompany Brown’s strong, clear vocals. Toward the end of their 10-song set, the songs began to bleed together, Swilley almost hypnotizing the crowd.

Middle Kids first made waves internationally after releasing their 2017 debut EP Middle Kids. Now, Middle Kids are touring larger venues and performing at bigger and bigger festivals around the world. Today We’re The Greatest, their sophomore album, was released in March earlier this year. It is an absolute triumph and an amazing follow up to Lost Friends (2018).

The trio, Hannah Joy, Tim Fitz, Harry Day, and touring guitarist Miles Elkington took to the stage to roaring cheers. They began with Cellophane (Brain), the opening track to their latest release. Accompanied by a fabulous and ever-changing lighting design, Middle Kids performed with their entire hearts, building genuine and authentic connection with the packed venue.

Highlights included a stunning solo rendition of “sad party song” Salt Eyes. Joy took to the keyboard stage left, her pleading voice ringing out throughout the venue. Midway through the set, fan favorite Mistake got the crowd jumping. Day took a moment to thank the Sunday night crowd, noting that it felt as though the band had been invited into our home, the city of Minneapolis, with open arms. There was a warmth and comfort felt throughout the venue.

After a brief exit, Middle Kids returned for a two-song encore, playing Big Softy off of their 2019 EP New Songs For Old Problems. Finally, they invited the crowd to join in for the final song, Don’t Be Hiding. All members took center stage behind Joy, belting out the lyrics, instrument-less aside from Joy’s guitar. It was a special moment to witness and a perfect way to end the night. We left the venue speechless, with a warm fuzzy feeling in our chests.

Photos: Morgan Winston