One Night Only at The Borderline

The Borderline is packed tonight. Really packed, can’t-even-get-to-the toilet packed. It’s no surprise, seeing as indie-pop darlings One Night Only are taking to the stage. The band will be familiar to many for their string of top 40 singles in the late noughties, and for frontman and Burberry model George Craig’s brief romance with Emma Watson. Now they’re back, and this time they’re serious.

As soon as they begin, it’s clear the audience are in for something special. Older, more recognisable hits such as Chemistry, It’s About Time and Say You Don’t Want It rub shoulders with newer, more mature work from the soon-to-be-released third album – songs like Plasticine and Get Around to It receiving as positive a response as the classics. These anthemic numbers work so well in a live setting, the swirling keys and squealing guitars providing the perfect backing for the unbelievably catchy sing-a-long choruses.

A special mention must go to George’s brother James on drums, not only holding the whole spectacle together but also triggering the many samples used to add another dimension to the band’s sound. Along with Jack Sails, Johnny Howe and Dan Parkin on keys, guitar and bass respectively, this unstoppable juggernaut of good time vibes soon has the audience – including one attendee who has travelled form Mexico just to be here – screaming, cheering and dancing.

The enthusiasm isn’t just one-sided however, and the band give it their all. Every song brings a fresh explosion of energy, and as the gig draws to an end, the sweat-soaked singer George Craig looks ready to collapse into the audience. There is just enough time for a stripped-back rendition of a few of the slower songs, showcasing the songwriting skill behind their glittery pop, before they launch back into it, culminating in a rousing rendition of Just for Tonight.

They may be pretty, and they may be poppy, but boy can they put on a show. Catch them before they’re huge (again), you won’t regret it. 

Ed Barnes
Photos: Melissa Harper

For further information about One Night Only and future events visit here.

 

Watch the video for Plasticine here: