Tonight, we’re at Bristol’s O2 Academy to see alt-J, the experimental indie stalwarts, formed in Leeds in 2007 are visiting the city for the first time in over a decade.
Last time around they played at The Thekla, a boat that’s docked near to the centre of the city and just a stones throw away from tonight’s venue. Arriving at a neighbouring multi story car park it’s already busy an hour and a half before alt-J are due on stage so there’s a real buzz about the place as fans rush to get into the venue. I hear a couple in front of me expressing their high levels of anticipation, “I can’t wait for this, it’s been so long“. It’s a common sentiment.
Rounding the corner that leads to the entrance of the venue I hear one of the stewards say the support band will be late on stage due to technical problems. Fearing an even longer wait to see their heroes one fan asks if alt-J will still be on at the allotted 9pm time slot. Thankfully we’re assured this is still the case.
The venue is sold out so there’s a lot of movement as punters rush to fit in a pre show drink and find themselves a good viewing spot in the packed out arena. The atmosphere is electric.
By 7.45 the support band haven’t yet started so it seems the technical gremlins are still doing their best to halt the show. Still it gives me a chance to chat to some of the waiting fans at the front and they are so excited to be seeing alt-J.
Finally, Wilderado make their appearance on stage, a 5 piece indie rock band originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. They receive a warm welcome as they play a few songs which receive an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd which has suddenly swelled in numbers. The crowd is now at full capacity and a quick glance around confirms the room is packed to the rafters literally! The upstairs balcony is a sea of smiling faces with people bustling to get the best vantage point.
With the road crew now finished their work, the stage is good to go. It’s quite a set-up with a full width screen at the back and a raised platform for the band which will elevates them high above the hall. The lights dim and the crowd goes crazy cheers and whistles as their idols make their way to the stage.
The spotlights at the back glow red and the band launch with Bane the first track off The Dream released in February 2022. Starting with the sound effect of someone drinking from a can, the guitar starts quietly as the backdrop is illuminated with a single candle which flickers in time as more and more candles emerge on the screen. Singer Joe Newman is in silhouette against the back drop as he picks out the intricate chords on his guitar. The visuals are truly striking.
The band move steadily through the set list which includes crowd favourites such as Tessellate which starts with its harmonic keyboard melody and snappy drum riff and has the fans singing along in good voice.
Switching my viewing position to the upstairs balcony where the view of the stage is spectacular and the acoustics are superb. Next song is already a fan fave, Philadelphia from The Dream which gets an energetic response from the crowd which is now starting to sway. The backdrop has changes to waves crashing onto the shore as set closer Dissolve me starts with a snappy drum pattern and like everything alt-J do, it’s precise and catchy.
The band return for their encore and the backdrop has changed to the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton tells us “we stand with the courageous people of Ukraine and we’d like to say two words….Fuck Putin!” It gets the emphatic response it deserves as the crowd nearly take the roof off the building. Launching into Left hand Free which gets the crowd jumping the music barely stops as Hard drive gold rings out. The crowd are now firmly in the hands of the band as they announce the last song and invite everyone to sing along. The opening notes of Breeze blocks ring out and the fans go crazy! Looking down from the balcony I see a vision of people lost on the music, Newman shouts “you sing” and final refrain of “please don’t go please don’t go I love you so” echoes out as 1600 voices unite in a shared wish.
But sadly the end of the gig has come. Fans are chanting the band name as the three band members, arm linked take their bow and wave towards the crowd as they make their way offstage.
It seems as though the 11 year wait was well worth it.
Words and pictures: Martin Smith @msmithgig