Photo: Chris MacDonald
18 October, 2013: Rudimental wowed an excitable crowd at their 90 minute concert-turned-rave at London's Brixton Academy which was packed with material from their stellar debut album and a few covers thrown in for good measure. Fans were treated to an all-star ensemble with mesmerising vocals from Shakka, Sinead Harnett, MNEK and John Newman.
Beginning with 'Right Here' the absence of Foxes wasn't felt as tour newbie Anne Marie compensated wonderfully. The band hyped fans up effortlessly building momentum throughout the night, largely thanks to the dazzling trumpeter ringing out Rudimental's signature instrumentals.
High energy was maintained throughout as every member of the band and their additional guests were frenzied and jumping using every inch of the stage. Every track was blasted out defeaning the crowd and causing a mass party at Brixton Academy. A more sombre and slowed down moment in the show came via 'Hell Could Freeze', which was quickly funked up complete with disco ball lighting and resurrected dance moves.
Former The Voice contestant Becky Hill stole the show showcasing awe inspiring vocals during a soulful rendition of 'Powerless'.
A uniquely reworked drum and bass version of Fugees' 'Ready or Not' was covered which lead into the magnificent trumpet interlude of 'Feel The Love'. Looking dapper as usual John Newman surprised fans on 'Not Giving In', evoking a sea of heart hand signals from the crowd. Really feeling music he dropped to his knees at one point and there was a real wave of elation as the audience screamed out the last chorus acapella.
Ella Eyre bounding on energetically belting out the grand finale and arguably the band's most popular hit, 'Waiting All Night', judging from the wild reaction from the crowd.
Lyrics were at times lost by the drowning out of crashing percussion but all in all it was a fantastic show with a unanimous good vibe which was felt all round as Rudimental's signature ska tinged drum and bass beats rang through the rafters.
Below: 19 exclusive shots of Rudimental, live at Brixton Academy
