Mystery Jets at SOUND Cafe

The Mystery Jets have been touring for the better half of 2023, and their appearance at SOUND Cafe in Marble Arch was their last stop of the year. With eight studio albums to their name and a dedicated fan base to match, Mystery Jets did what they have done best for the past two decades; they performed powerfully, with outstanding vocals and overall captivating instrumentals, which is more impressive considering the band has taken on two new members for this gig, Ollie and Eddie Taylor (The Taylor Twins), who opened for Mystery Jets in April of this year.

The show began with the band walking onto the stage with an ominous backtrack and a cloud of fog, which set up the first track of the night, Pretty Drone, excellently. With the anticipation set within 30 seconds, it was clear, even through all the fog, that all eyes in the venue would be glued to the stage for the rest of the set. Kapil Trivedi attacked the drums in this introduction, the sound filling the crowd like a warm hug. From the very start, and all throughout the performance, Harrison’s vocals never strayed from strong and captivating; it is hard to believe that the Taylor Twins have not been playing alongside Harrison and Trivedi for years. They harmonised with Harrison while playing each song to the same calibre, if not even better, than the studio recordings. This same magnetising energy carried on with Serotonin, which is a bright and exciting track that had the crowd singing along.

Once Flash a Hungry Smile ended, Harrison gave the venue a warm welcome and introduced the Taylor Twins, who were greeted with well-deserved cheers. He then introduces the next song, which is unreleased and, as of now, called September Song. Harrison goes on to say “We’ll let you decide if it’s shit or not”; whether it be through the epic guitar progression from Ollie Taylor or the gorgeous melodies sung between the twins and Harrison, there is no doubt that the song is a hit. The show continues with Radlands and Bombay Blue, which complement one another well. Bubblegum is next, and this live rendition feels fast-paced and has the crowd dancing feverishly, setting up the energy for the next two tracks, Young Love and Two Doors Down. Although the gig was nearly finished, the audience felt louder and the band was stronger than ever. Someone Purer slows things down and “completes” the set.

The band left, but the crowd remained planted in their spots. Cheers and hollers engulfed the room – an encore was not just wanted, but needed. Mystery Jets made their grand return with beloved tracks Veiled in Grey and Flakes, which wrapped up the night nicely. 

Mystery Jets are definitely a sight for sore eyes and ears; the idea of a new record in the works and what’s to come for the band in 2024 floated around the room, as attendees lingered after to speak with the band.

Taryn Crowley
Photos: Nick Bennett

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

Watch the video for the single Metal Soul here: