Hurts at Troxy

In the aftermath of the gig, one thing needs to be acknowledged: Hurts are far better enjoyed live than on record. Although the concert takes a while to take off, it slowly builds to an unstoppable crescendo, and when it draws to the end, the band have the audience on a string.

The performance begins with Theo Hutchcraft hiding under his hoodie, singing a ghostly Mercy and asking London to “make some noise!” At this point, Hurts still need a Miracle but not even that song manages to do the trick. The backing music is too loud and unfortunately covers Hutchcraft’s voice – there’s nothing for him to do but spur the crowd to clap along. Silver Lining and Wonderful Life are well-received though, the audience by now are needing less encouragement.

The biggest flaw of the show is the incredibly loud music pumping through the speakers, which becomes pure bombing noise and engulfs most of the melodiesk, especially the poor violinist on stage whose instrument is hardly heard. Lights are also often disturbing; Hurts play Blind and everyone is on the verge of losing their sight. Evelyn is at first quiet, then takes shape and gives way to Cupid, a tune with a nice rhythm that sees Hutchcraft jumping around in a frenzy. The Crow is not particularly gripping but then Blood, Tears & Gold, rendered acoustically, sees fans ecstatic. Reminiscent of Depeche Mode, Exile comes next – again the beat is captivating but the light effects are annoying.

Sandman, with its peculiar hip-hop arrangement and catchy chorus, this track makes everyone roar, and Sunday’s hammering tempo forces even those seated to stand up and dance. Stay enraptures – not a soul remains silent. Hutchcraft throws roses at them, visibly moved by the crowd’s warm response. For Illuminated he asks fans to use their mobile phones as lighters to create atmosphere, but the result is far from effective, the dazzling lights rendering it pointless.

After The Road – and the singer smashing his microphone on the floor- the encore is a blast with Better than Love and Help, a shower of confetti falling upon enthusiastic fans.                                                                         

Rita Vicinanza

For further information and future events visit Hurts’ website here.

Watch a live performance of Exile here: