As I’m waiting by the backstage door of the O2 Academy, I can hear Amber Run’s [8/10] anthemic sound blasting every now and then as the door to the main room opens as they do their soundcheck. After a few minutes of silence, I spot frontman Joe running around frantically and then their tour manager comes over to me and we make our way towards their dressing room.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Nottingham 5 piece last November at the Yardbird Jazz Club, a much smaller and intimate venue, where they were squeezed onto a tiny stage and I had a front row table!
There has been much anticipation ahead of tonight’s soldout Kodaline show, which the boys have fitted their own headline tour around. Along with Amber Run, James Bay supported, who I also saw at the Yardbird last month, seems like they all start out there! (See our review here). I can only praise Kodaline for their choice in support acts and thank them because I’ve been looking forward to seeing them play with a full band and electric instruments!
I caught up with Amber Run’s Tom and Felix before the show (see interview below), we had a quick chat about their fifteen date tour, what it’s like touring with Kodaline at their biggest shows yet, their upcoming album produced by Mike Crossey and festivals!
A pint in hand, I found a good spot and waited for Amber Run to come on stage, they opened to a fairly decent crowd and clearly appreciated people coming down early to see them play. The band seemed eager to please, also evident when speaking to them beforehand, but their youth and inexperience cannot be found in their musical performance. Their music is a mix of melodic harmonies and pumping drum beats, that you just can’t help singing along to! I was a bit disappointed they didn’t play ‘Kite’ but couldn’t stay annoyed long as their new songs hit the spot perfectly. Their singles have had airplay on BBC Radio 1 and they even headlined BBC introducing at Koko in January. They also have a big following on social media, announcing that they want to hang out with fans after gigs, they’re even on Snapchat and have posted baby photos of band members!
These boys make big sounds, which are meant for big venues and festivals; keep your eyes peeled for them playing at festivals this summer and their album release later this year!
Review and Interview by Cathy Baylis Photos by Chris Egan
Interview with Amber Run
