Live Review: Gang of Youths

Colette Fountain (Comment Editor):

Walking into the O2 Institute, we were greeted by the raspy, powerhouse that was the opening act for Gang of Youths: Tom A Smith. This was an exceptional start to what would be an incredible show, establishing the kind of gritty tone maintained throughout.

Following Tom A Smith was Charlie Collins – an emotional, lyrical genius. Both opening acts really set the tone for the rest of the show. I always feel like people often fail to properly appreciate opening acts, and these were some of the best I’ve seen.

An atmosphere like none I have ever experienced

Then Gang of Youths arrived. From the very start, they were so full of energy, engaging with the crowd in a way that was perfect for the intimate setting of the O2 Institute. The lead singer, Dave Le’aupepe created such a special atmosphere with his fans, leaning into the crowd and directly singing to specific audience members. This reached a peak during ‘Magnolia’ when he came down into the audience, continuing to sing and creating an atmosphere like none I have ever experienced.

Beyond Dave’s utterly entrancing stage presence, the rest of the band were also exceptional. One of the best parts of Gang of Youth’s music is their use of strings, elevating their rock music in so many ways, with Tom Hobden playing violin for many of the songs in their set list. This was perfect for the more emotional songs, with their recent album Angel in Realtime being partially based on the life and death of Dave’s father, as it gave me chills. When combined with Dave’s solo piano in ‘Goal of the Century.’ the band managed to perform in a way that at times was highly energetic, with the whole crowd dancing along, yet also incredibly poignant and emotional, leaving me reeling after the show had ended.

One of the best parts of Gang of Youth’s music is their use of strings

From their nuanced political commentary, the hilarious jokes Dave told in between songs, to the high energy they generated by restarting ‘Let Me Down Easy’ until the band felt the audience’s dancing was enthusiastic enough, it was truly unforgettable. Whether you are a fan of the more rock-style music from Go Farther in Lightness, or you prefer their more heartfelt Angel in Realtime, their live show incorporates the best of both of these, appealing to a wide range of fans.

Elif Aktan (Music Critic):

Gang of Youths never do anything in half measures – and their sold-out Saturday night show at O2 Institute proved just that.

From the moment the band walked on stage, accompanied by the swelling anticipation of ‘You in Everything,’ the magical and majestic opening song of their new album, the audience was set alight by the band’s electric spirit, particularly that of frontman Dave Le’aupepe. The singer’s unbounded energy was infectious, his exuberant dancing making it impossible to fight the urge to move your body with the same freedom too.

It is clear to see that the band has perfected their craft, delivering a performance that was both musically flawless and limitlessly engaging

All five members performed impeccably both as individuals and in tandem with one another, their brotherly bond an absolute delight to watch. To say that Jung Kim and Tom Hobden’s effortless switching between various instruments was impressive would be an understatement. It is clear to see that the band has perfected their craft, delivering a performance that was both musically flawless and limitlessly engaging. Even as Le’aupepe staggered through the crowd in ‘Magnolia,’ not a single note was missed. Their anthemic sound reaches new heights on stage – their music was made to be performed live.

The band seamlessly shifted from rousing anthems to atmospheric ballads, and all the spaces in between, just as they do in each of their albums, their carefully crafted setlist a perfect balance of euphoria and tenderness. Having heard them perform the majority of Angel in Realtime it is safe to say that even though their sound has developed considerably since ‘Go Farther in Lightness,’ every song was translated impeccably from its studio version to the stage, not only retaining but enhancing the orchestral, cinematic, larger-than-life sound that is so unique to them.

There was something beautiful in knowing that these songs that have resonated so deeply with you also hold so much significance for those around you

Letting go of all inhibitions and dancing along to such intensely personal songs shaped a strong sense of community – there was something beautiful in knowing that these songs that have resonated so deeply with you also hold so much significance for those around you. It was incredibly cathartic to sing our hearts out together as people who have all struggled and overcome, a reminder of how similar we all can be. ‘Let Me Down Easy’ was introduced as a song about ‘drinking, dancing, and being nice to each other’ and easily encompassed the theme of the night.

We sung unified in ‘The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows,’ a spirited choir clinging onto the words ‘If everything is temporary, I will bear the unbearable terrible triteness of being’ with relentless passion. Singing away our sorrows as we basked in this exhilaration for an hour and a half, we realised that with nights like these and music as brilliant as Gang of Youths’, maybe being is not so terrible after all.