Peace at Brixton Academy

Calm, tranquil, quiet – these are words normally associated with the idea of peace, but Peace, the band, are adding boisterous, rowdy and intense to the definition. Peace are throwing in their interpretation by veering between dreamy indie on O You to anthemic sing-alongs on I’m a Girl. However, the pure euphoria emanating from the audience in response to it all demonstrates how these terms can all come together to breathe life into a genre that many may consider past its prime.

In conjunction with their second full-length album, Peace are on the Happy People tour and that is apt to describe the atmosphere in the iconic Brixton Academy. Friday night youthful abandon takes over as hundreds of merry fans belt out lyrics to every song. The band’s music clearly has a lasting place in the hearts of its adoring young fans. The crowd join Harrison Koisser even on quieter songs, the effortlessly cool lead singer never breaking a sweat, despite wearing a mac throughout.

Many bands have succumbed to the pressure of the “difficult second album”, but Peace seem to be using the opportunity to explore their sound while still creating something recognisable. There are hints of Nirvana, Blur and even John Lennon, mirrored in the sense of forlorn disillusionment with the way things are.

While the stage show isn’t quite polished, this is part of their charm. Rather than a sharply executed performance that lacks passion, these guys are putting their heart and soul into everything. You still catch glimpses of the four sixth formers who bonded over a love of music and quickly turned it into something successful. They make use of their bold logo on a bright yellow background covering the whole stage wall, which lifts into a backdrop of star-like lights, making for an outdoorsy atmosphere, as though at a festival. Abandon your inhibitions and just get lost in the music!

Yassine Senghor
Photos: Zak Macro

For further information about Peace and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Gen Strange here: