Hiatus Kaiyote Translates Feelings of Wonder into Cosmic Sound and Color at Boston’s Roadrunner

Concert

Sep 3

Written for My Life In Sound | Originally Published by MLIS (Aug 2025)

You know you’re in for a special night when it feels less like the start of a concert and more like the opening of a cosmic portal. Whether you hear their music in the comfort of your home, or surrounded by thousands of fellow minds and ears, Hiatus Kaiyote leaves you drifting somewhere between an earthly groove and an undeniably celestial wonder.

Hiatus Kaiyote is a Melbourne-native jazz/funk band formed in 2011, made up of singer/guitarist Nai Palm, bassist Paul Bender, keyboardist Simon Mavin, and drummer Perrin Moss. Known for bending genres and soundscapes that feel both grounded and otherworldly, the band has built a reputation as one of the most inventive forces in modern music. Their last visit to Boston was in August 2022 — three whole years ago now — and this time, they returned to an even bigger stage to promote their latest album, Love Heart Cheat Code. The band played at Roadrunner, one of Boston’s newer music venues, with a capacity for 1,500 more people than on their previous visit. The setlist was mostly made up of Love Heart Cheat Code while weaving in some fan favorites from their prior albums, Choose Your Weapon and Mood Valiant.

After several years of listening to their music, this was my first time experiencing Hiatus Kaiyote live. I can confidently say their stage presence is magnetic. Nai Palm’s vocals summon so much color and texture, which was beautifully translated to the stage and lighting design. Truly cannot get over how mesmerizing the neon lights looked spotlighting Nai Palm against the trippy fabric backdrop.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Hiatus Kaiyote, listening through headphones or at a live show, they will leave you feeling like you’ve touched something larger than yourself.