Every so often a concert comes along that leaves you on a high well after the performance has ended. Well, it’s the next day and I’m still in orbit after A Perfect Circle’s performance at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Due to external factors (the enormous line-up) I was unfortunately unable to see the support acts – embarrassingly, I do not even know who they were, as the tickets only cited Special Guests and no one I know got inside in time to see anyone other than the main act.  

A Perfect Circle opened with Vanishing, and from that point onwards it was a flawless performance. Maynard James Keenan’s vocals were faultless throughout the set and carried the songs through and beyond all expectations. As is his way, he spent much of the show in shadow, facing the back of the stage, but finally came towards the front during the last two songs.

Despite the fact that APC have only released two albums, several tracks from Mer de Noms were interspersed between songs from Thirteenth Step and made for a wonderful and diverse set. 3 Libras and Thinking of You were perfectly executed, with Keenan’s rich vocals accompanying the textured instrumentals. Encore track Judith was a crowd favourite.

Of the eight songs played off Thirteenth Step, the eerie The Nurse Who Loved Me was a highlight, and The Package further illustrated the impeccable soundcapes provided courtesy of guitarists James Iha (ex Smashing Pumpkins) and Billy Howerdel, bassist Jeordie White (formerly Twiggy Ramirez of Marilyn Manson) and drummer Josh Freese. The Noose had the audience singing along in one of the most goose-bump inducing moments I have ever experienced. The haunting lyrics and surreal music created a hypnotic atmosphere that was ten times more powerful when seen live.

There were lighter moments between songs with the interaction between the band and the crowd. Iha had the audience cheering after his attempt to imitate Steve Irwin, and one song was even introduced with “this song sounds better with your pants off”.

This review may appear to be littered with incessant praise , but credit is given where it is due, and A Perfect Circle deserve it in spades after last night’s performance.