Photo: Richard Gray
Who'd have thought that Colombian popstar Shakira would swing such influence at a Bombay Bicycle Club gig? Not only does she get the eternal honour of a song devotion from the band themselves ('Wherever, Whenever' no less), but it's her track of the same name that is graced with the responsibility of shepherding people out when the shows over (perhaps less complimentary on second thoughts...)
Brixton Academy is unsurprisingly heaving for tonight's Bombay Bicycle Club headlining show. It wouldn’t be unwise to hazard a guess that a significant chunk of the injuries, side glances and glowers occur in the cajoling to try and get closer to the stage - a near impossible feat.
It’s easy to forget that Bombay Bicycle Club have had four albums, now including a No.1 thanks to their latest effort. ‘Showy’ isn’t an adjective that sits comfortably when describing the boys from Crouch End - and to their credit it hastens to add. But that’s not to say they don’t know how to put on a show.
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The band opens the night with 'Overdone' the first song from new album, to the rapture of the crowd, with frontman Jack Steadman absorbing every second of their sold out show, softly raising his hands above the crowd, his kingdom for the night.
Two saxophonists and a trumpet spring up seemingly from nowhere for ‘It’s Alright Now’ and sporadically crop up comically every few songs to the delight of the audience. Bombay Bicycle Club actually wear their guitars at the correct height and not for show. They are true musicians. Pair this with how genuinely delighted they are to share the stage with vocalist Liz Lawrence, a brass band and a keyboardist and you’re part of the way in understanding how they manage to pull off such a charming performance.
It’s album number four that rules tonight, with ‘Feel’ being a particular highlight, seeing an impressive graphic displaying a Bollywood style snake whilst Jack Steadman works his own personal drum and cymbal.
Whilst the new record dominates, the sly slipping in of favourites like ‘Evening/Morning’ and 'Always Like This' from the debut album, and the ever-popular ‘Shuffle’ keeps the crowd enamoured with Bombay Bicycle Club from the start of their set to finish and beyond.
Bombay Bicycle Club played:
Overdone
It's Alright Now
Shuffle
Come To Your Eyes
Lamplight
Evening/Morning
How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep
Home By Now
Feel
Lights Out, Words Gone
Eyes Off You
Whenever, Wherever
Luna
Always Like This
So Long, See You Tomorrow
Encore:
What If
Carry Me
Below: More exclusive photos from Bombay Bicycle Club at Brixton Academy
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