More about: BeckThe StrokesTemplesFuture Islands

1. The Strokes are on such fine form
They hadn't played a UK gig since headlining Reading & Leeds back in 2011. Since then, they released fifth album Comedown Machine on the quiet and live shows have been few and far between. With comments from Albert Hammond Jr threatening that this could well be their final show, the fear was that this could indeed be a farewell and that New York's finest may be winding down. So much is noted and written about the volatile relationship between the band, and the often chilly atmosphere on stage. 

You can read as much as you like into their live nonchalance this evening, but nothing can distract from the sheer force of power that they deliver. Headlines aside, you can't deny the lasting class of the likes of 'Reptillia', 'New York City Cops' and 'Take It Or Leave It'. While the muted release of Angles and Comedown Machine may rank them as lesser in the eyes of the mainstream, 'Welcome To Japan', 'One Way Trigger' and 'Under Cover Of Darkness' are delivered with the compulsion of five artists who know that what they're doing is absolutely vital. Please don't leave us. 

2. But we pray for new material
Saying that, one can't help but wonder why they're here. Is this just a victory lap, a celebration of The Strokes, a payday or all three? Who knows, but with The Strokes as tight and powerful as this, one craves for them to return for a reason next time - a newfound relevance and reason to be heard. 

3. Time away has done Albert Hammond Jr the world of good
True, various Strokes members have had side-dalliances in various projects away from the band, but none with as much consistency and excellence as that of Sir Albert Hammond Jr - his AHJ EP and new material from upcoming album Momentary Masters especially (the latter which he describes as 'the best songs he's ever written'). His bravado and confidence has blossomed, and it really shows. He strikes an even more gripping presence on stage, his playing seeming more frenetic than ever. Even when Valensi takes lead, you can't take your eyes away from the chops of the chap in red. Mark these words, with The Strokes or not, the future belongs to Albert Hammond Jr. 

4. Alex Turner and Miles Kane REALLY like The Strokes
The influence of The Strokes on Arctic Monkeys is no secret. The lads' early gigs were a shambles of highly-hung guitars and Strokes covers. So it was no surprise when Turner and friend, collaborator and fellow Last Shadow Puppet were spotted in the VIP area...

But while many celebrities at shows just milk the guestlist and stand around sipping on free drinks and doing their best not to embarass themselves, Turner and Kane threw caution to the wind and absolutely lost their shit. Don't believe us? Just watch... 

5. Beck = summer time
"Summer time is officially here," beams Beck, "We arrived from California so we thought we'd bring it with us". Indeed he did, as we and his band soaked up the last of the early evening sun with a brilliant set worthy of a headliner, albeit far too short for an alt-rock icon of his stature. 

With elastic dance moves, exquisite showmanship and one hell of a back catalogue, Beck united Hyde Park in groove - flowing through college rock staples such as 'Devil's Haircut', The New Pollution' and 'Gamma Ray' - throwing in a Donna Summer cover for good measure and with 'Sexx Laws', 'Debra' and 'E-Pro' proving highlights, before sealing off the stage with police tape before returning for an explosive closer of 'Where It's At'. Come back soon please Beck, and play all night - hell, play all summer long. 

6. The future is bright for Future Islands
Putting arguable THE band of the last 12 months on at 5.30 in the afternoon is pretty unfortunate timing, but luckily so, so many left work early to flock to see a late afternoon set from Future Islands, whose visceral grunting and primal dad-rock dance moves would seem like a gimmick, if it weren't backed up by incredible open-road anthemics.

The future looks bright too, with new track 'The Chase' packed with that classic Springsteen meets synth-punk sound, met with futuristic and cinematic tones of the Drive soundtrack. That's all very well and good, but make it known - summer officially began when Future Islands performed 'Seasons (Waiting On You)' at Hyde Park. 

7. Temples could be on the brink of greatness
One of the biggest cult bands in the UK and having enjoyed Stateside success as of late, it could be fair to say that the psych-pop curiosities of Temples could be about to land them in the major leagues. If the calibre of their performance tonight, met the fire and size of the audience they draw, is anything to go by, then expect album No.2 to send Temples hurtling into the stratosphere. Await chapter two of a very homegrown success story. 

More about: BeckThe StrokesTemplesFuture Islands