Hazlett`s Sad Underground Rave: Our Visit to his Concert in Vienna
Wanting to cry is not enough sometimes, we all know that. The right soundtrack can go a long way in helping to get those tears rolling. Hazlett is an Australian alternative-indie artist, who understands this intrinsically and so his songs are filled with meaningful lyrics about heartbreak, going away and mental health. After releasing his first album „Bloom Mountain“ in 2023, he's taken his songs on the road with his own tour, playing all over the world, from Europe, to the US and Canada. The Unseen got a chance to see him in action on Saturday, 7th of December during his sold out show in the Chelsea Club in Vienna.
In what he dubbed a „sad underground rave“ beneath the rails of the local subway line 6, he performed in front of a small, but motivated crowd with a set of twelve songs. His opening act, the English singer Ashley Singh, set a perfect precedent on what to expect. His set of six songs dealing with the phases before and after break up, all while getting in funny and sympathetic banter with his crowd. The tracks „Keep Me“ and „Soul Tied“ are in my opinion, the highlight. As I was part of the banter, I spoke with him a bit during and after the show and I can say that he really is just a genuine and nice person, who I hope to see on the road again soon – best as the headliner.
Hazlett himself opens with „Please Don`t Be“, a song about the wishful hope of your love not being interested in someone else. Continuing with „Stolen Seasons“ and „Do You Haunt Me“, he laments a gone lover. The devastation is further highlighted by is solitude on stage. As a lonesome man, the guitar being his only companion up there, it makes for a great impression, only solidifying the vibe he's going for further.
The set is intercut by personal stories, little tidbits of information about himself and the songs. Memorable for me is the tale of him moving back to Australia for a job he got in marketing, only for him to realize, that it's actually an internship. In a desperate bit for him to earn money, he started playing music in a local bar, taking requests and, as he puts its, buterching some people's favorite songs. As a tribute to that time, Hazlett covers Blurs „Song 2“, turning it from a loud rock song into a slow and quiet acoustic piece.
„The First Train Home“ is another example of a song with such a backstory. As a play on the idea of the last train home, an often used motive in music and art, it asks another question: If you have something you love, a place to go to, shouldn't you try to take the first possible train? „My Skin“ on the other hand is another heart-wrenching tale about your ex finding another after a break-up. The realization that it's all gone and the memories of being together are no longer happy ones. It's also one of his quicker songs, relatively speaking, in that it is an invitation to some sad dancing.
The night ends with what is probably his most famous song, „Blame The Moon“. The content is one of reflection and deflection. It serves as an ode to all who struggle with writer's block, but also with relationships. The wish to not be responsible for the failures in one's life hit hard. The urge to shift the blame hits even harder. In that, it's effective and makes for a beautiful ending to a concert, that invites the fans to think about themselves and their lives. It's fortunately not so depressing, as to leave you completely broken after the show.
Our photographer and I got the opportunity to talk to him a bit before and after the show, when he comes out for photographs and autographs. It has to be said, that he is a really nice person, taking her with him to the stage to take pictures.
Needless to say, Hazlett is relatable to all, who deem themselves hopeless romantics and lonely wanderers on this big wide world. In this he may be of interest to all, who love Hozier, Lord Huron, Noah Kahan, Hollow Coves and more similair artists. That's how I found him, at least. There are still a few shows left on his tour next year, if you got the time and are lucky enough to still get tickets, it's a big recommendation from my part. Just make sure you have a pack of tissues with you, if you're built close to water.
WRITTEN BY
Lars
Being brought up under deaf parents, as a partially hearing child, I have always struggeled with my search of identity. Inspired by far-distant worlds like middle earth and the tunes of Lord Huron, my goal is not only to tell great stories, but also to understand other people and their tales.
PHOTOS BY
Janne
Hi! I’m Janne, originally from Germany, and I’m moving to Vienna this fall to study media management & journalism. I have a passion for photography, especially music photography. I aim to capture emotional moments and love incorporating lots of vibrant colors into my shots.