Credit: Rhian Westbury
It all began on the 30th November when York-London based five-piece Elliot Minor mysteriously posted ‘2014.’ online after years on hiatus. After immense speculation, the band announced that they’d be back one more time to play three shows across London. Tonight sees the #EMonemoretime climax at O2 Academy Islington‘s 800 capacity stronghold to conclude three days of rock, indie and pop charged goodness intertwined with enough Solaris nostalgia to shake a stick at.
With the room brimming with a feel-good atmosphere, Essex pop punk rockers All At Sea take to the stage; grasping the audience’s energy from the first riff, as they bombard their EP Your Ocean, My Sky to the crowd with scintillating style. Vocals from frontman Jay Stevens begin to animate what is a somewhat an initial tough crowd to please, through a range oozing talent. As tight guitar musicianship and percussion propel into at moments cacophonous screams from guitarist Jason Stewart, the five-piece are rewarded with eventual fist pumps. New track ‘Whole New World’ boasts breakdown rapture that sees the band’s movement on stage quicken to showcase that despite the enormity of the pressure, they can still hold their own.
Credit: Rhian Westbury
Home town heroes Amaryllis follow as they wipe the spotlight from their predecessor. Boasting upcoming sophomore EP Revolt, their set begins in an effervescent manner encompassed by alternative rock superiority as the five-piece boomerang effortlessly on stage. Recently released track ‘Prophecies’ displays the stunning genius from Sante Moonie as her voice echoes through the audience launching into an outro consumed by guitar generosity. Older track ‘Between The Lies’ conjures diversity through a slower notion, taking their set up another notch showcasing their natural ability and showmanship. As the set advances to its final stages, the crowd are fuelled to their descent to the floor for an epic display during ‘Stand Down’. From slower alternative integrity to the closer of a compelling guitar riff breakdown, this band are ones to watch.
Welsh trio States and Empires follow to a somewhat diminished audience atmosphere. But this doesn’t distract from the classically infused rock vocals from Neil Starr that are undeniably mighty. As their set promotes their EP Giants, it seems that despite their efforts of producing immaculate vocality intertwined with strong and active guitar tones, the crowd seem to be losing patience as they wait for Elliot Minor. But, their cover of Motörhead’s classic ‘Ace of Spades’ creates movement and energy from their finally filtered through rifftastic talent. As the band close with ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’, the room opens up in order to create a Wall of Death carnage that unfortunately disappoints. Despite audience reaction in comparison to the previous two bands, the artistry of this three-piece is something which cannot be taken away from them.
As headliners Elliot Minor finally take to the stage in the midst of a theatrical Inception laden intro that creates an almost unbearable exciting ambience, the room is packed out to rock out one last time. Nostalgia kicks in instantaneously as 2008’s ‘Jessica’ electrifies the crowd with the band’s adored vocals from Alex Davies and Ed Minton. As the 15-song set filters from hit to hit, the crowd stay hook line and sinker to the pop-rock Elliot Minor charm with lyrics ‘time after time’ bouncing off the walls. The celebratory atmosphere feels like one huge guitar shredding and drum tapping party affair, and one that doesn’t feel as if its the last time. Tracks from Solaris receive praise higher than any other, especially that of ‘Better Than The Courtroom’ with fans screaming with emphatic adoration. As the set closes with cherished ‘Parallel Worlds’, the crowd give it everything they’ve got in harmonious fashion to the five-piece in front of them playing London for the last time, with each ounce of might and musical generosity they can encumber.
Review by: Emma Younger
Photos by: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
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- Credit: Rhian Westbury
