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| Unfortunately they didn't stand still throughout the whole set, so it was quite hard to get a decent photo of them |
On the 15th of February, I trekked all the way
from my little Welsh home to Liverpool, to see the coolest hip-hoppers in the
music scene. Considering their general pop-sounding music, Rizzle Kicks seem to
have gained respect from all sorts of music fans – even the pretentious indie
kids have a soft spot for the 22 year olds. What made me fall head over heels
for them were the raw lyrics in Lost Generation – in particular, “What’s wrong
if a girl loves sex?” and “damn right I’m a slut/you know this/but I’m a boy
it’s all good.” There’s nothing cooler than young musicians acknowledging the sexism
in every day life, and because of that I became an instant fan.
The O2 Academy is sold out, and my best friend and I are buzzing to see the boys. It’s obvious everyone else is too, because the atmosphere is electric and excitement is radiating from each and every individual in the crowd. At precisely seven thirty, the first act of the night is onstage – Thunderbird Gerard. His songs are catchy and although it’s not to my usual taste, I find myself dancing to him. After a debate with my friend on whether or not this rapper name-checked Graham Coxon or Jeremy Paxman, he leaves the stage and I prepare for Bang Bang Bang.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing Bang Bang Bang since I found out she was supporting. Natalie Bang is honestly everything I dream the future of music will be. Like a pop miracle, she’s pretty much a fusion of Sky Ferreira, Marina and The Diamonds, Lily Allen and Courtney Love; but with twice as much talent as all of them. The retro-feel electropop is brilliant, and in the weeks leading up to the gig I can’t get her songs out of my head. Considering not many people are aware of who she is, the crowd still go wild for her and Natalie even gets them involved; taking a selfie with us [which you can see on her instagram] and making cute paper aeroplanes out of the unique promo cards she has. She ends her set with He’s So Fine-and I’m singing so loud I doubt anyone around me can even hear her. Definitely a highlight of the night.
The O2 Academy is sold out, and my best friend and I are buzzing to see the boys. It’s obvious everyone else is too, because the atmosphere is electric and excitement is radiating from each and every individual in the crowd. At precisely seven thirty, the first act of the night is onstage – Thunderbird Gerard. His songs are catchy and although it’s not to my usual taste, I find myself dancing to him. After a debate with my friend on whether or not this rapper name-checked Graham Coxon or Jeremy Paxman, he leaves the stage and I prepare for Bang Bang Bang.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing Bang Bang Bang since I found out she was supporting. Natalie Bang is honestly everything I dream the future of music will be. Like a pop miracle, she’s pretty much a fusion of Sky Ferreira, Marina and The Diamonds, Lily Allen and Courtney Love; but with twice as much talent as all of them. The retro-feel electropop is brilliant, and in the weeks leading up to the gig I can’t get her songs out of my head. Considering not many people are aware of who she is, the crowd still go wild for her and Natalie even gets them involved; taking a selfie with us [which you can see on her instagram] and making cute paper aeroplanes out of the unique promo cards she has. She ends her set with He’s So Fine-and I’m singing so loud I doubt anyone around me can even hear her. Definitely a highlight of the night.
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| Next Courtney Love? |
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| Natalie Bang Bang Bang |
Now it’s almost time for the people we’re waiting for, and the crowd jitter in anticipation and slight agitation. Slowly, the music that’s being played over the speakers melts into Mary Poppins classic “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” which for some reason makes the whole crowd sing in unison. And then it’s the That’s Classic intro, and Jordan and Harley are on stage jumping and dancing and singing. The crowd is mirroring their actions, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Luckily for me, I was almost on the barrier, so I had the perfect view of the lads.
The rest of the night is bit of a blur, the biggest highlight being them covering Blur’s biggest single Song 2. Hearing the brilliant guitar riff live really did put a smile on my face, as did Harley falling from the little box he was standing on and Jordan’s absolutely terrible dancing. Another incredible moment was when they performed Skip to the Good Bit – a song which samples EMF’s Unbelievable. As the song reaches the chorus, everyone jumps at once and you can feel the immense bounce spread through the floorboards. It’s hard to explain, it’s much like the feeling of a beat in your chest or early Sunday mornings watching your favourite cartoons. You can’t quite describe the pure ecstasy of the moment-it’s certainly something I’ll never forget.
To end, Rizzle Kicks play their first ever hit Down With the Trumpets, and as the show reaches its climax I think to myself – “this is the happiest I’ve felt in awhile.” Although they aren’t my favourite band or close to that, I can say that, after seeing them, they definitely hold quite a special place in my “important musicians” list.
Rizzle Kicks at O2 Acadmey Liverpool was definitely the best
concert I’ve ever been to-the atmosphere, the support acts, Jordan’s face and
the music made the whole night almost impeccable. I would definitely recommend
seeing them if you haven’t already, and I will definitely be buying tickets to
their next tour. 9/10
~Tilly
~Tilly
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| DREAMPHONE Bang Bang Bang cards! |
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| Chilling with Thunderbird Gerard |
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