Radio Free Alice Bring All the Emotion to their Shaky Knees Set

After the chaos of Die Spitz’s pits, Radio Free Alice felt like a chance to catch my breath without losing momentum. I found a patch of shade and let the Australian band’s sound rebuild my energy. They play like they’ve studied everyone who came before them and are determined to make it their own.

The emotion was obvious from the start. Lead singer Noah Leamonth’s face mirrored every lyric, making it clear they’re giving 100% every time they step on stage. Playing “Paris Is Gone” early in the set allowed them to get the crowd in the palm of their hand. They’d build the energy up, pause just long enough to hear the cheers, then slam back into the chorus. “Johnny” was another crowd-pleaser, a track that had people jumping and singing along.

They also threw in a surprise cover of Radiohead’s “No Surprises,” paying homage to the U.K. band whose influence you can hear in their sound. Keeping that same rock attitude, Noah even called out the VIP section, half the barricade up front was effectively dead, no singing, no dancing. “It’s stupid,” he muttered into the mic, and the general admission crowd roared in agreement.

Beyond the attitude, the band’s musicianship stood out. Cool, knotty guitar riffs interlocked with yet another standout saxophone performance—what is it with these sax-driven bands this year? I love it.

I’d heard Radio Free Alice’s EP Empty Words before, but seeing them live sealed it. They’ve got heart, energy, and talent; three things I look for in an up-and-coming band. After this set, I’d buy anything that they’re selling.

Review by: David Saxum; Photo by: Roger Ho/Shaky Knees Festival

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