Kodaline at Brixton Academy

Dublin boys Kodaline have came a long way since their 2007 days as 21 Demands. The band were nominated for the Sound of 2013 poll, and in the summer of last year released their long awaited debut studio album – In a Perfect World, entering the Irish album chart at number one.

We’ve grown rather fond of Kodaline, who’ve won our hearts with their harmonicas and harmonies and anthemic hits, so we were elated to hear that they were stopping by the Brixton Academy on their tour of the UK.

We were treated to sets from supporting acts Amber Run and the delight that is James Bay, who knew just how to warm up the crowd with his phenomenally raw vocals.

Kodaline were warmly welcomed onto the stage by near-deafening cheers and applause as they opened their set with a rousing performance of After the Fall, somewhat reminiscent of Coldplay, but far less dull. Next we heard the endearing One Day, lead singer Steve soothing our souls with his blissful vocals. What’s immediately apparent at any Kodaline gig is the ability the four have to create a sense of warmth and intimacy, regardless of the venue’s size, and this was ostensibly felt at the Academy.

Big hits High Hopes and Love Like This united the crowd in song as we waved our lighters and shouted the words back to the four who looked on, grinning. In true Irish fashion, the boys broke in to a cover of Dirty Old Town (complete with harmonica), which led us in to the beautiful Brand New Day.

Kodaline spoiled us further with a sensational cover of LCD Soundsystem’s All My Friends for the encore, finishing with the emotionally charged All I Want. Our favourite Irish boys never disappoint.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Marine Candel

For further information and future events visit Kodaline’s website here.

Watch the video for One Day here: