Pegged as one of 2015’s brightest stars, Circa Waves have come a long way in what seems like no time at all. The band released their critically acclaimed debut album, Young Chasers, back in March, and are now successfully winning over crowds not just at home but abroad as well — something that is made apparent by their upcoming tours across Asia, Europe and the Americas. As part of Q Magazine‘s 2015 awards, the quartet took to a small stage in London for a free show in which they wowed their spectators.
Under The Bridge, a jazz club that’s nestled in the heart of Chelsea FC‘s Stamford Bridge, is not quite where you’d expect an indie rock band to perform. Regardless, Circa Waves seemed to find themselves right at home as they all but barrelled on to the stage to play to an audience that was half dedicated fans who had managed to swipe up their free tickets just in the nick of time, half industry types who looked on with bored expressions and a vodka mixer clutched tightly in their hand. As Circa Waves played on, however, the mood seemed to change rapidly as nobody could deny the band with their melodically catchy tunes and frenetic energy that others struggle to emulate.
One thing that lets this Liverpudlian mob down, however, is that there’s never an element of surprise. With just one album to ride off of, their setlist was essentially a full play of just that, but with tracks thrown around in a different ordering. Of course, fans are not going to turn down the chance to hear some of their favourites, such as ‘Good For Me‘, ‘Stuck In My Teeth‘ and ‘Young Chasers‘, so it does depend on what angle you approach this band from.
There was no hysteria from teenage girls at this show thanks to its strict 18+ entry, but a collective appreciation of the foursome just radiated from the audience, clear by the way lyrics were screamed back and furious applause was frequent. A true indication that a person will never grow up when it comes to their favourite band, Circa Waves seemed to thrive on the crowd’s endless energy throughout their set.
Things then seemed to go from great to phenomenal as the quartet offered up ‘T-Shirt Weather‘, one of their most well-known tracks, as their final touch. You couldn’t find a moshpit like the ones that Circa Waves often conjure up at their shows, but there was a brilliant level of audience-artist interaction and respect — a sign that not only are this band’s fans far from fair weather and will carry them on as they continue to thrive, but that Circa Waves are well and truly deserving of everything they have achieved so far.
