By Hannah Amies
Out of the blue I had just been offered tickets to see the band of the moment: London Grammar at Brixton Electric. Excited is an understatement.
The band has so much more to them than just their down-to-earth attitude and Hannah Reid’s effortless beauty. Believe it or not her deep, chilling vocals are even more engaging live. Dot Major and Dan Rothman create a minimalist backdrop which complements Hannah’s plaintive, soulful voice. Their awkward on stage banter was endearing, showing their youthful charm within the industry. Unfortunately, the audience were not giving them much energy (because it was infested with fucking hipsters) and this was possibly the reason why their acoustics were not as slick as on the album. Regardless, their performance showed off their talent, perhaps not to their full potential but this makes it all the more exciting - there is more to come.
I’m a sucker for a small time English band breaking through and this is exactly what London Grammar has done. Their debut album ‘If You Wait’ hit number 2 in the charts, their UK tour is a sell-out and they have been Zane Lowe’s hottest record of the week (If the self dubbed “Zipper” ever mattered to anyone). Nonetheless an impressive list of achievements.
Despite Hannah writing ‘Wasting My Young Years’ about a failing relationship and the struggle through one’s early twenties it is still one of my favourite songs. Hearing it live evoked more emotion than the single ever could. Her ethereal vocals harmonise perfectly with the keyboard, drums, bass and guitar. It is the subtle sounds they produce which enable her melancholic voice to achieve the crescendo that has become a signature of their songs.
My disappointment after having to pass up the opportunity to see them at dot-to-dot festival earlier this year has completely disappeared. I am glad my copious amounts of work did not deter me.
They have been going from strength to strength over the last year and I predict there is more to come. They are the ones to watch, or should I say, keep an ear out for?!
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