Picture This at Brixton Academy

As the lights roared to life, the Irish rock quartet slowly filtered on stage against a backdrop of cheers from the packed-out Brixton Academy. Drummer Jimmy Rainsford took centre stage, spray-painting “London” onto the black car dominating the set, in homage to their fourth studio album Parked Car Conversations. Frontman Ryan Hennessy’s arrival, with his infectious energy and trademark bravado, whipped the audience into a frenzy, setting the tone for the rest of an electric evening.

With a pop of his jacket collar and a wry smile, Hennessy launched into the opening line of Act of Innocence, a high-energy anthem that combines a catchy, driving beat with the raw emotion and vulnerability the band has become famous for. A change of pace saw a return to one of their most popular hits, Unconditional, with the crowd faithfully singing along to every word.

Hennessy’s knack for showmanship shone as he proudly unfurled an Irish flag, proclaiming “Let’s have some fun!”, with the enraptured concertgoers responding with deafening chants of “Olé, olé, olé”, capturing the true spirit of a homecoming.

Fans were treated to songs from the deluxe version of their latest album, Natural Disasters and Satellites, before returning to old favourites, Addicted to You and Never Change. You and I saw the Academy transformed into a sea of synchronised movement, with Hennessy skilfully conducting the room, encouraging them to get low before exploding into the air, creating a wave of pure exhilaration that rippled through the venue.

In a poignant shift, the audience enjoyed one of the most intimate and vulnerable songs in the setlist with Song to Myself as Hennessy poured his heart out from the floor, pleading with himself to “make sure that sad little kid back then would be proud”. 

Returning for the encore with a glass of Guinness, Hennessy delighted fans with an Irish limerick, his toast drawing cheers as he raised his pint, shouting “Sláinte”. It wasn’t long before the energy soared again as the crowd joined in with Get On My Love, an uplifting celebration of romance that perfectly encapsulates the excitement of falling in love.

20 songs in total, each delivered with unrelenting passion and sincerity, made for a set that left no one standing still. Nine years on from Take My Hand, the breakthrough track that propelled them to fame, the band’s unmistakable heart remains unchanged.

By the end of the night, four friends from a small town in County Kildare had done what they do best – share their passion with thousands of devoted fans and leave them with unforgettable memories to relive until they returned, as promised, to their “second home”.

Alex Davis
Photos: Guifre de Peray

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

Watch the video for the single Satellites here: