In Hindsight at the Forum

London seems the most fitting location for three-piece band In Hindsight to hold the finale of their five-city tour, before they head back to their home town of Nottingham. The band is famous for an excellent rapport with its fans, holding meet-and-greet sessions before concerts, where squealing teenage girls can have their photos taken with the members. Kentish Town’s Forum is completely packed out with a fanatical crowd, aged roughly between ten and 15, bursting to meet the young men in person. 

In Hindsight has come a long way since its formation in 2011, starting out performing in schools around the country, but seems to have maintained a demographic of school-aged followers. This is the fledgling band’s first headlining tour – unsurprising, considering the boys’ own junior ages.

Frontman Michael Newcombe appears on stage dressed almost entirely in white; his white wife-beater and skinnies are countered with a gold chain, channelling his inner rock star. His younger brother Daniel on drums, only 16, and guitarist Isaac Anderson, are both clad in more muted darks. The rocker image that they seek to project seems strangely mismatched with the saccharine pop lyrics of their guitar-heavy songs.

Starting the set with the pop-metal-inspired Black and White, Isaac moves along the stage excitedly with his guitar, and the trio are bathed in flashing lights. Michael begins to sing, an action met with hysterical anticipation; some of the fans are already in tears, pulling their hair. Leading straight into Girl Like You and then Dangerous, accompanied by a crowd who appear to know every word, the band then gives a short introduction. Michael seems indeed to be the charismatic star of the show, and is highly appreciative of the attention he receives. Following Miss Conspicuous, he does some impressive, if somewhat irrelevant, press-ups while Daniel keeps time on the drum set. The highlight comes towards the end, when they play an intimate acoustic version of an audience favourite, Over and Out. It is here that their skill is most apparent, the song unprocessed by ostentatious effects.

With a strong performance like this, In Hindsight seems set to grow hugely in popularity after this concert, certainly amongst the age group that is so loyal to the band. It remains to be said, however, that they are perhaps not yet ready for an older crowd, and might benefit from refining their lyrics and toning down the filters. This musical evolution may come with maturity; in the meantime, the boys will, without a doubt, continue to beguile their adoring teenage fans in increasingly large venues.

Hayley Ferguson
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina 

For further information about In Hindsight and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Girl Like You here: