Kaiser Chiefs at Brixton Academy

This weekend Kaiser Chiefs bring a long-awaited gig at Brixton Academy, live streamed by Melody VR. It starts with a video feed of the band members snuggled up in the comfort of their homes, reminiscing about fun times, discussing what they’ve been doing and the fact they took their Duck tour for granted, assuming they’d be doing it all summer. They want to do a gig right then and there… The feed cuts and darkness takes over the stage, then they open with People Know How to Love and a bright burst of light and colour.

It’s a feel-good night, with three highlights in particular. Golden Oldies is warmed by the orange lights as lead singer Ricky Wilson grooves quirkily around the stage. The vocals are a chorus of infectious charisma, with an ever-present grin. Target Market is drenched in disco flashes, the slow drawl of drums and guitar lulling listeners into the world of bashful, young romance. Coming Home offers comfort with onscreen visuals and echoing backing vocals.

Cannons is a feted pick of an anthem, performed as part of the band’s interactive segment, in which they fish for old songs to play from a pool of rubber ducks. Wilson stands high above his fellow bandmates, shrouded in smoke and shadows, and looking like a leader about to deliver an eminent speech; his consistent vocals keep up with the high demand of the lyrics and melody. For a song that is randomly drawn, it is probably the best performance of the night.

Kaiser Chiefs deliver their parting segment with hopeful promises for next year. Hole in My Soul leaves the audience feeling both elated and sentimental, followed by Oh My God, a perfect final track that expresses their longing for tour life and the human touch of an audience in person. Confetti falls as they leave with a wave and the night comes to a quiet close.

Mae Trumata 

For further information and future events visit Kaiser Chiefs’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Coming Home here: