Page 51 - Black Velvet Issue 87

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AGAINST THE CURRENT / SYKES - LONDON O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON, 07.10.15

The O2 Academy Islington is already packed when electronic alt- video filming.
pop band Sykes take to the stage. We're automatically drawn to vocalist Against The Current continue with their killer set, playing hit after hit.
Julia Sykes, as her beautifully warm, sincere vocals fill the venue. The Drummer Will Ferri really rocks out, playing solid and tight rhythms with
vocals are backed up perfectly by a wonderfully dreamy backdrop that incredible energy. Guitarist Dan Gow is also impressive and he shows
completely captivates the crowd. They made catching the attention of off his skills with slick riffs that bring a lot of power to the live perform-
the room look effortless as their catchy yet sophisticated indie-electro ance. Chrissy maintains her energy throughout the performance, only
sounds infuse the Academy, winning the hearts of the Against The Cur- slowing down for ballad ‘Dreaming Alone’ where she asks the crowd
rent fans. “This is a duet, but I'm the only one up here tonight, so can you guys be
As the countdown to Against The Current's set begins, we see fans my Taka?” the response is phenomenal, with everyone singing Taka's
reaching for their banners and drawing war paint on each others faces part at the top of their lungs. They close the set with full-throttle anthem
with eyeliner. The sold out Academy is filled to the brim with fans who 'Fireproof', a song with the mother of all choruses, filled with chants and
are eager to see their new favourite band live. Nobody's disappointed pounding drums that made the crowd go insane. This is the kind of the
as they take to the stage, opening with the feisty 'Talk' and instantly work- song that's destined for arenas, and after tonight’s performance there's
ing the room, showing off what they can do live. Vocalist Chrissy no doubt that Against The Current will get there.
Costanza is moving around the stage at every available opportunity, Fans chant for one more song as the band leave the stage, but
jumping up and down and interacting with the crowd, making everyone Against The Current decide to treat them to two. “This is by far one of
feel involved. She's a flawless performer, holding all her notes whilst put- the best shows we've ever played” smiles Chrissy, visibly thrilled by the
ting her personality into each and every lyric. crowd's cheering. 'Another You (Another Way)' closes the set beautifully.
Two songs in, Chrissy tells the crowd that they've got something spe- Against The Current have a great deal of presence and enthusiasm on
cial planned – the band are filming a live video for their new single 'Out- stage that's so refreshing to see. We can't wait for them to make their
siders', a song that relates to anyone who's ever felt outside of popularity return to the UK.
and wanted to fit in. The crowd goes into a frenzy and scream every YYYYY
word as the band give it their all, they're also accompanied by confetti Carissa Thorne
and CO2 jets, a rare sight for a smaller music venue. “I have confetti,
I've officially reached my peak”, laughs Chrissy as they wrap up the live Chrissy Costanza (Against The Current) Photo By Carissa Thorne

CONCERTS