London Grammar, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review and pictures
"If it's a rave you're after you've probably come to the wrong gig."
True that if you are looking for a crazy, uninhibited night then chances are you won't pick a London Grammar gig.
Even Hannah Reid admitted that to the group's devoted fans at a sell-out show at Birmingham's O2 Academy last night.
But if you want an other-worldly experience then step back and let the British three-piece captivate and enthrall.
The trio were in the city as they continue on their new tour and judging by the queues outside three hours before they even took to the stage, they have some pulling power.
London Grammar aren't a band for bells and whistles.
The staging is simple, low lit with only the occasional strobe giving a flash of awe.
Instead the music is thrilling enough.
For the causal fan you may not think much of their downbeat melancholy.
But within mere moments the soundscape the group create draws you in like a warm embrace.
Tracks from London Grammar's second chart topping album Truth is a Beautiful Thing are woven cleverly with their breakthrough work.
Wasting My Young Years, Strong and Hey Now from their debut album If You Wait are obvious highlights.
But the group's progression with their follow up collection proved they have evolved their sound.
It's almost an apologetic set at times with Reid at one point sitting down for a frank admission about her crippling on stage nerves, saying she just wanted to get her 'performance right'.
It gave a beautiful moment as Reid sang Rooting for You on her own bathed in a deep red spotlight.
There's no sign of nerves with her vocals, both powerful yet delicate, throughout.
And instrumentalist Dominic “Dot” Major and guitar player Dan Rothman drive the performance with assured contributions.
Support act Lo Moon deserved praise for an interesting set with their anthemic tracks reminiscent of Brummie indie heroes Editors.
London Grammar are a class act live. Emotive, introspective, ethereal. Must see.
