Photo Credit: Nel Cummings
Words: Sophie Thompson
Friday night saw a packed-out Birmingham O2 Academy bouncing as Earlestown’s own indie rock megastars graced the stage. Proving that they truly are one of the greatest live bands in today’s music scene.
Ahead of their eagerly awaited sophomore album ‘Pretty on The Internet’, THE K’S have embarked on an extensive sold-out tour across the UK and Ireland.
Australian newcomers DAY WE RAN started the evening for their debut performance in the UK and delivered an energetic performance which had a set full of euphoric indie rock beats and enchanting vocal harmonies.
Next up were PASTEL. The Manchester based five-piece who bought a sound which was heavily influenced by the 90s Britpop movement, with frontman Jack Yates’ charisma and stage presence mirroring that of music legend Liam Gallagher. Drawing influence from the Manchester music scene, they had a melody which was electrifying and energetic with addictive beats and singalong choruses.
Finally, the stage descended into darkness and pink lights signalled the arrival of THE K’S, there was evident excitement from the crowd as the floor began to shake, and as the first chord rung out the Birmingham crowd erupted into a sea of mosh pits which did not end until the night was over.
The Earlestown fourpiece consisting of bassist Dexter Baker, drummer Nathan Peers, guitarist Ryan Breslin and finally vocalist and guitarist Jamie Boyle. Effortlessly opening their set with ‘Gravestone‘, the single taken from their upcoming album ‘Pretty on the Internet‘, out June 27th and swiftly transitioned into ‘Icarus‘ the lively track which had the entire Birmingham crowd of 3,000 people dancing and singing along with them. Frontman Jamie Boyle’s impeccable vocals and stage presence were clear highlights as an energetic crowd were screaming the lyrics back to them. With the devoted fanbase which THE K’S have it is inevitable that with their charisma and confidence they certainly are future stadium fillers.
The heartfelt track ‘Hoping Maybe‘ was a standout moment in the set where the fans really took centre stage, with a sea of people on shoulders singing back to the band. With Boyle belting out “And I was hoping maybe you might know how to save me.” The crowds which follow THE K’S are truly what make them so special.
Their set consisted of a fan favourites ‘Chancer‘ and ‘Hometown‘ taken from their debut album ‘I Wonder if The World Knows?‘, which reached number three on The UK Official Album Charts, and new songs ‘Helen Oh I‘ and ‘Breakdown In My Bedroom‘ which showed just how much they have grown as musicians.
As the evening drew to a close the opening notes of the outstanding classic ‘Sarajevo‘ the singalong anthem which had the room shaking with the catchy beats of Peers’ drums, creating an atmosphere of complete madness. In true rockstar fashion the night was not over yet as they made time for the fan favourite ‘Dacton and Wanderella‘, the track which the Birmingham crowd had been chanting for every time the music stopped.
With their infectious energy and stage presence it is easy to see how THE K’S can be considered one of the most exciting indie bands who are on their way to musical greatness. Ahead of their tour opening for The Kooks in October, they certainly show no sign of slowing down.
The K’s sophomore album ‘Pretty on the Internet’ is out June 27th.
Taped Magazine 