GIG REVIEW: Peace - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, 6th December

For fans of: Palma Violets, Foals, Primal Scream, Theme Park, Pink Floyd

The release of Birmingham indie rockers Peace's debut album in March 2013 was followed eagerly by a massive buzz. Following their EP 'Delicious' in late 2012, they surpassed all competition in becoming most talked about new band of the past 12 months (even dubbed by some as the "best British band in a decade", but let's leave that debate to the professionals). Bashed by some as "borrowing" too much inspiration from their influences, the quirky romanticism of 'In Love' creatively shaped something that was simultaneously (and ingeniously) nostalgic and current.

I scored tickets completely last-minute to their Shepherd's Bush show last night (6th December), making it the last gig of the year for me, booooooooooooo (but I have got The 1975, Taylor Swift, and George Ezra to look forward to in 2014 *heart eye emoji*). All I can say is: at least the year of great gigging has gone out with a bang (highlights of the year include Hudson Taylor, Sky Ferreira, Jake Bugg, and Vampire Weekend).

Their set was bursting at the seams with 90's positivity which only fed the hunger of the 'on-a-mad-one'-esque audience - noticeably full of, what looked like, 12 year old #LADZ in their chinos. Hilariously, it seemed that the ruckus of Peace was too much for some girls who were caught up in the sea of people and actually shed a few tears. I, for one, will be showcasing my bruise painted legs with pride.

The sugary bliss of the uncomplicated and idealistic 'Lovesick' was certainly a highlight. Never has each member shined so brightly and excited an audience more than with the exquisiteness of such an angst-fueled anthem. It was similarly, though slightly more, electrifying than the grungey array of whopping hits like 'Follow Baby' and feisty set opener 'Waste of Paint'. These contrasted beautifully with the flawless mellowness of 'Float Forever', a song that showed off their delicious harmonies.

The most defining moment was the unexpected cover of Wham!'s 1984 classic 'Last Christmas' which impulsively supercharged the already hysterical audience. Being my holiday tune of choice, I was pretty much floored how their discreetly original touch made out like the song had be written with them in mind.

Their performance was overall difficult to fault due to Harrison's foolproof vocal performance and the clean gelling of the entire band - so good that it would be problematic to differentiate between the live production and the studio recording. Though, I couldn't figure out why one of my favourite tracks ever 'California Daze' ever-so-slightly disappointed me. It wasn't until it was pointed out to me by a friend that Peace failed to make an emotional connection with their audience. Sure their show was pretty mesmerising, but something as dazzling as the dream-inducing anthemic ballad needed to be just as enchanting onstage as when I listened to it for the first time (she tastes like sunlight / and she's always going to be there in the back of your mind). Maybe then they could make their audience fall that little bit more in love with them than they were before.

luvin lyf in da crowd

read my friend Jemima's review //HERE//


(here's a cheeky piccy of me with the set list) (it's there I swear)