Twenty Below Live Reviews

Between the two of us, we worked out that we attended well over a hundred shows in 2023. So it was proposed to us by LBB that this year we might like to write a quarterly column celebrating our favourites along the way. We’ll try and keep it brief, paint a picture and maybe inspire you to catch one of these artists in future.

Luke> "Soulwax played a rare full band show at The Roundhouse, as you’d expect it was a sonic and visual treat featuring three drummers complimenting their heavy analogue sound. With the electro clash and indie sleaze renaissance in full swing, the upcoming new record from the Belgians couldn’t be better timed."

Imogen> "Empress Of played a fiercely energetic show at Jazz Café. She brought us flavours of her upcoming record, blending elements of reggaeton, R&B and electropop and seamlessly switching between English and Spanish. A total one woman show, she took hair-ography to a new level, and brought Shygirl out to perform her track '4eva', much to the thrill of the audience. It was empowering, euphoric and sexy and feels as though she is very much in her bag right now."

Luke> "Cult Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV played a sold out show at The Forum to promote their upcoming album releasing on Fantasy this May. I must admit, these guys had past me by somewhat over the years but I’m now a fan. My favourite moments brought to mind a spaced out Deftones covering Sonic Youth."

Luke> "Jack Antonoff brought his band Bleachers to The Forum for two nights which were rapturously received. Comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are unlikely to ever go away but when it’s done with this much love, energy and conviction, it’s hard to not have a great time. 'Tiny Moves' from the current record was the surprise hit of the night, packing an extra punch than the more muted album recording."

Imogen> "To sum up this Bleachers gig in one word - joy. Reflected by the fact I found myself on someone’s shoulders not long into the show, and on a school night. Such a healthy number of saxophone solos will never go amiss in my book, and I would like to do it all again. No notes."

Luke> "Irish folk band The Mary Wallopers rise has been a fast one, formed in 2019 they have quickly become a festival staple worthy of the next Pogues title. Their Roundhouse show was feverishly received by a crowd who’d clearly been enjoying a few Guinness ahead of the show. I can’t say I’ve seen a circle pit or crowd surfing at folk show before but my do they know how to whip up a crowd."

Imogen> "Amaarae at Outernet was definitely a highlight for me, as part of her Fountain Baby tour. The show had been postponed for five months, and you could feel the anticipation in the crowd. Having seen one of her first London shows at a much smaller venue years ago, it was amazing to see how she’s evolved. Her band were on point, serving us her unique sound from afrobeat to punk and a lot in-between. Kojey Radical made an appearance, and 'SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY' predictably went off. And a moment for her styling - starting the show in a red latex situation, with a full ‘fit change halfway through to match the visuals like royalty."

Luke> "Air this year celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their influential breakthrough ‘Moon Safari’ with a world tour which began in France, London was the second stop and I was one of the lucky few able to attend. The grand surroundings of The Coliseum felt fitting for these French masters. The stage design was a mirrored LED panelled box that part resembled a studio and part a Kubrick spaceship. Aside from hearing this classic album in full we were also treated to renditions of Playground Love and Alone in Kyoto made famous for their uses in Sofia Coppola movies.”