Culture Music Live music

Seafret at The Islington

Seafret at The Islington | Live review

Fresh off the back of their debut EP Give Me Something, acoustic duo Seafret sell out their first London headline show at The Islington.Seafret at O2 Academy Islington by Rosie Yang (4)

After recently breaking onto the Radio One BBC Introducing playlist, the little-known Bridlington band arrive full steam ahead. The room is in full voice, appearing to be in great anticipation for the night’s entertainment, in wonder of what’s to come. “Does anyone know what we’re called then?” asks vocalist Jack Sedman, who quickly retorts “No, not sea bass!” to the laughter of the crowd.

The noisy audience, a real mix of people, is quickly hushed to silence as the soulful tones of Overtime are wailed across the room. Love found and love lost are constant themes of the night, but nowhere more so than in To the Sea, a reflective and introspective song, plucked through the sombre tones of Harry Draper on the bass guitar and laced by Sedman’s groaning vocals.

The crowd is attentive and generous in their applause, and the fresh-faced, hungry duo are clearly humbled and appreciative of the reception. As the halfway point of the set approaches, the crowd is deeply engaged and hopeful of an equally impressive second half. They roar as Sedman tells us the next song is Give Me Something, the first release from their EP. It promised a huge climax but was a little disappointing, the self-pitying sorrowful tone overwhelming. The last four songs are highlighted by the upbeat and energetic Skimming Stone, a sound of promise and hope, displaying the band’s impressive but neglected versatility.

Sedman’s vocals are powerful and emotive, capable of bringing every note and word into its clearest existence, which is complemented by the equally brilliant guitar playing by Draper. The crowd were happy and joyous throughout, receiving every performance with more vigour than the last, but overall the same old subject matter became tiresome. Flashes of brilliance were frustrating as they quickly came and went, though the great talent and potential of Seafret is undeniable. 

                                                                                                                                                Shelby Gilfillian
Photos: Rosie Yang

For further information about Seafret and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Give Me Something here:

 

More in Live music

Matt Berninger at Troxy

Benedetta Mancusi

All Points East 2025: The Maccabees

Bev Lung

Victorious Festival 2025 Day Three: Kings of Leon

Taryn Crowley

Rally Festival 2025: Floating Points, Porridge Radio, Speaker’s Corner Quartet and more

Ben Browning

Coldplay at Wembley Arena: “Nobody does stadiums like them”

Filippo L'Astorina, the Editor

Victorious Festival 2025 Day One: Queens of the Stone Age, Kaiser Chiefs, Wunderhorse and more

Taryn Crowley

Victorious Festival 2025 Day Two: Vampire Weekend, Circa Waves, Rizzle Kicks and more

Taryn Crowley

The Linda Lindas at Islington Academy

Gem Hurley

BBC Proms 2025: Pappano conducts Puccini and Strauss at the Royal Albert Hall

Cristiana Ferrauti