Photo: Justine Trickett
There are no questions over where you should be looking at a Placebo gig. With the lion's share of a threadbare stage set aside for Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, other band members relegated to the back of the stage, and the spotlight often solely on Molko, you're made well aware of who is meant to be the star.
Tonight opened in a haze of strobes and 3D graphics, with everyone basking in synth-laden glory amid the cheerier of Placebo's repertoire. The newer 'Loud Like Love' is made for large venues, with the crowd's screams of "breathe, breathe, believe" resonating throughout the Academy. But the festivities don't last long as the mood changes drastically.
Brian Molko's writing comes from a dark place; he lays himself bare to his audience who act as his confidante, his shoulder to cry on. 'Too Many Friends' is a powerful ode to social media and online bullying ("my computer thinks I'm gay/I threw that piece of junk away") which will no doubt have struck a chord with some younger attendees. Their new material is very synth heavy, with wild tribal drumming and pulsing electro-bass making for a fascinating live show, though similarities in newer tracks do cause them to merge into one another at times.
A man of few words, Brian Molko only addressed the crowd a handful of times, but his appreciation of this excitable London audience was more than apparent in the grin on his face. There were few classics to be found in this setlist, although 'Every You Every Me' and 'Teenage Angst' made appearances. Hearing the chorus of the beautiful 'Running Up That Hill' echo through a vast venue is a highlight of any Placebo live show, and it was definitely the jewel of tonight’s encore.
It's seemingly impossible for this band to disappoint their fans. They know exactly how to please, and this was no exception.
Below: More exclusive photos of Placebo rocking Brixton Academy, London
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