Was it really a Brat summer night for Sydney?

Charli XCX had one of the loudest albums of 2024. But the megastar’s Laneway festival performance left most of the crowd saying the same thing.

It was the most anticipated performance of the night, but did Charli XCX disappoint?

She was the loud voice of a Brat summer (IYKYK) but at Sydney’s Laneway Festival on Sunday night, Charli XCX – the most anticipated performer of the festival – was sadly muted.

She may have slayed … but thanks to dodgy sound, the general consensus from the 45,000 was “she was way too quiet”.

For those who aren’t in the loop, Charli XCX’s album Brat, released last June, completely redefined what it means to be a “brat,” and Gen Z is totally hooked.

Charli XCX performs onstage during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

You’ve probably heard phrases like “Brat this, brat that” tossed around by the younger generation.

While the term traditionally refers to a misbehaving child, Charli’s reimagined it to embody a bold, confident, and unapologetically hedonistic attitude.

But she didn’t stop at reshaping the word — she resurrected lime green back into the spotlight, a colour that perfectly represents her chaotic electric pop album.

Pretty much haunted by what I would call the ugliest shade of green, it quickly became the colour of the season, a far cry from last summer’s ubiquitous Barbie pink.

Charli xcx, on stage at Laneway Festival Brisbane. Photo: Tayla Couacaud

This isn’t just an album — it’s a movement.

Now, the only thing more talked about than Laneway’s dodgy sound – two massive speakers for those up front – was the “absolute nightmare” getting out – as 45,00 revellers tried to clear Centennial Park out of one gate at the same time

True fans were trying not care, and just love it.

But amid the chaos, there were whispers (you could hear them if you were more than 20 metres back), more like sighs, over the mega pop star’s performance.

Charli XCX and Troye Sivan in London. Picture: Katja Ogrin/Redferns

“It was way too quiet.”

“She slayed but it was underwhelming at the same time.”

“OMG that was amazing.”

While festivals are notorious for blasting music, the sound was so low that it honestly felt like the crowd’s voices were out-shouting Charli herself.

While it might not be Charli’s fault — likely a venue restriction at Centennial Park — many were also quick to speculate whether she was lip-synching.

“I love her autotune, but I swear she was lip syncing,” one reveller said.

Charli did not disappoint with her performance, getting involved with the crowd, dancing on all fours and honestly dancing the night away.

Charli XCX performing at the Laneway Festival in Sydney on Sunday. Picture: Henry Redcliffe.,

Charli XCX performing at the Laneway Festival in Sydney. Picture: Henry Redcliffe.,

That said, Charli certainly brought her A-game when it came to performance.

She absolutely brought the house down, even ending up on all fours at one point.

Oh, and now Charli show is complete without the Apple dance, those that get it, get it.

Perhaps it wasn’t Charli who disappointed — instead the sound system was to blame.

Meanwhile, things looked pretty sad for electronic DJ duo Bicep. The Irish pair, known for their global hit ‘Glue,’ performed in front of an almost empty crowd, as most festival-goers flocked to the ‘Apple’ singer as their set times clashed for “crowd control.”

Charli XCX performing at the Laneway Festival in Sydney on Sunday Feb 9, 2025. Picture: Henry Redcliffe.,

Despite being packed to full capacity, an estimated 40,000 people at Charli’s set left Bicep with a much smaller turnout — a letdown considering their worldwide popularity.

After Charli wrapped up her set with the Aussie anthem “I Love It” (famously known as the KFC song), things took a chaotic turn.

With only one exit, festival-goers found themselves trapped in a sea of people, many opting to jump the fence to escape.

As Laneway Festival moves on to Melbourne this Friday, it’s unclear whether the performers will stick around in Sydney or head straight to the next stop.

Other standout acts that lit up the stage in Sydney included Aussie band Sticky Fingers, British singer Olivia Dean, Djo, Clairo, and Barry Can’t Swim.