Nothing But Thieves with Airways and VANT in Brixton Academy/ 02.12.2016
Brixton Academy is for many a turning point, a dream come true. It's like a magic creature, a unicorn which they've finally managed to catch. It's the opportunity to go big. It's the open box of possibilities – the lights, the sound attire, the effects (from fog to pyro).
And Nothing But Thieves used it pretty well. They were humbled but confident at the same time. So interactive, all of them. With wide smiles that brightened their faces whenever the whole audience sang the words of their songs in heartwarming singalongs (or rather taking it over). With flickering lights and fog entangling them in mystery they gave an incredible performance. All this took well known songs to higher levels and was quite a background for two brand new ones – 'Get Better' and 'Design'.
When you listen to the album the songs may seem tamed, contained, but their true potential breaks free at every live show when dance moves, scream, hell, even mosh pits come to life and that's exactly what happened in Brixton Academy – the biggest headline show so far for Nothing But Thieves. Songs like 'Hostage' or 'Painkiller' roared through the place like a mighty storm and were balanced by a perfect calm in the likes of 'Lover, Please Stay' or 'Six Billion' – powerful in its stripped form, simply breathtaking showing Conor's absolutely fantastic vocal skills.
That show had everything from choking on tears, insane joy, through crowd surfing (Conor disappeared for a short while in the audience's mass but resurfaced, thank goodness, in one piece), madness and a promise of a new album. Which was the best way to sweeten the fact the show was coming to an end. And 'Ban All The Music' fits perfectly to be the closing act – it unleashes the energy you didn't know you stored and when the song kicks in, when the band's leaving the stage you're still buzzing with the good vibe and the hunger. And that marks the great show. The one of Nothing But Thieves in Brixton Academy was one of those and I can't wait for more.
Setlist:
Itch
Honey Whiskey
Hostage
Hanging
Get Better
Graveyard Whistling
Six Billion
Painkiller
Drawing Pins
Design
If I Get High
Excuse Me (Outro)
Wake Up Call
Encore:
Lover, Please Stay
Trip Switch
Ban All The Music
Support acts:
Airways
An opening act was carrying this sparkling, positive vibe that was quite contagious and catchy, light songs swimming somewhere between indie rock and pop punk (with a little twist that you can find in bands like Cage The Elephant) tunes were a great start of the night. Band's excitement spread to the audience and appreciation was shown for Airways and songs like 'One Foot' received warm welcome.
More about Airways here and their Facebook page.
Listen to ‘One Foot’ here.
VANT
Second band that night showed a little bit more edge with louder and faster guitar buzz, bringing the spirit of old punk rock back from the dead. Circulating between indie rock ('Parking Lot'), garage and punk rock VANT created an explosive combination, a little rough, engaging and stirring the crowd just right. With songs tackling political issues ('Answer'), global issues, etc. they have a chance to be the voice of the generation.
More about VANT here and their Facebook page.
Watch the video to ‘Peace and Love’ here. And catch VANT in UK on tour in February/March - more details here.
