Hola everyone.
God, it feels like it’s been ages since I posted something. Probably because it literally has been ages. I mean, I know it only has been about two weeks, but it feels way longer than that. Also, I’m very sorry that it has been so long. I’m not even going to come up with any excuses, mostly because I’m currently working on not stressing myself because of everything, especially not my blog, because, in reality, it shouldn’t cause me any stress at all as it is my blog and I have the freedom to decide when I want to post something or not. So, there it is. But still, I’m sorry. I hope you had a great few days though and that you’re doing great.
.
Today, finally, I’d like to share something very very very special with you. Those of you who have been following my blog for the past few months and especially the past few weeks will know that I recently had the honour of seeing Bombay Bicycle Club live for the very first time. In, like, ever. But the even more exciting part was that while I was seeing them in this tiny venue in Brighton and later on writing about it on here (click here to read that post), I already knew that I’d be seeing them again shortly after that. Which is exactly what happened last Friday and I just have to tell you all about that fantastic night and unforgettable show.
.
First, let me just remind you of the fact that Bombay have been one of my favourite band ever since I found them in 2016, right after their breakup, and I would’ve never thought I would ever get to see them live. But now I’m sitting in my room here in London, with the experience of not only one Bombay gig but two. It’s been a week and I still can’t believe it really happened. That my friend Lauren and I went to Ally Pally and actually managed to get to the front row. That I got to talk to Liz Lawrence, who’s part of their live band, after the show. And that I felt like I had the biggest hangover the next day from all the excessive dancing, singing and screaming (I mean, I’ve never had a real hangover, but I feel like it might feel like how I did that day). That’s how good the gig was. I remember that I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time and that I never wanted it to end. Which, as far as I could tell, was something I shared with the band. They looked so proud and happy. I really loved every moment. And I can’t even begin to describe how happy, excited and damn thankful I am that they’re back. One of the best indie bands ever has finally returned and I couldn’t be any more thrilled about it.
.
If any of you get the chance to see these guys live, please do it. Even if you don’t know their old or new songs or any of them – just go for the experience. Maybe you’ll walk out with a new favourite band, you never know. And until then I hope you enjoy me babbling about them, which will probably keep on being a regular part of this blog – I apologise in advance (but really I’m not sorry at all, they’re too good for that).
.
As you’ve probably noticed, this would usually be the part where I either continue talking about the gig or end the post, but none of those two things are going to happen. As some of you might have noticed, I’ve recently been proudly sharing my reviews that I write for LDN magazine with you guys, which I also want to do now. As you can guess, I obviously had to write a review of Bombay’s show and I feel like it’s such a nice piece, I’d love for you to read it. So, here you go. I hope you like it (here’s the link to the original) and that you’re doing good, obviously. And yeah, please enjoy and let me know what you think. Until then, I wish you all a fantastic Friday and a lovely weekend and, as always, thanks for reading. x
.
.
Live Review: Bombay Bicycle Club @ Alexandra Palace
.
It was a sad day for the world of music when the British indie group Bombay Bicycle Club announced their breakup at the beginning of 2016 after many years of success and fame. For a very long time no one was sure whether they would ever hear from their beloved rockers again, but almost to the day, four years later, news was spread that seemed almost too good to be true: Bombay Bicycle Club are back.
.
In addition to the comeback, their fans, who had been waiting for their return all this time, were also blessed with the announcement of a new tour and their fifth album “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong”, which was released on the 17th of January. Even I, who had been hoping for the Londoners to somehow resurface again ever since discovering them at the end of 2016, couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. Suddenly they were back. Hard to believe, since they had been the one band that I had been too late for, the one that I would never get to hear new music from and the one band that I would definitely never have the chance to see live.
.
And yet, on a cool Friday evening, I find myself in the big hall that is the ever so famous Ally Pally in London, knowing that Bombay Bicycle Club would be appearing in just a few minutes to play the first gig of their two sold-out nights. A thought that still seems unreal to me while standing in front of the barrier and facing the enormous stage.
.
Suddenly there is a loud uproar, followed by a sea of shining, flashing lights that herald the lively start of the evening with “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)”. Their highly anticipated comeback single gives a clear signal that Bombay Bicycle Club still know who they are and where they belong, even after so many years – namely on the stages of this world. Despite the dark undertones of their new material, the live experience lights up the concert hall and is also reflected in the collective proud smiles of the Londoner stars.
.
Since this is their comeback tour and also, as told by guitarist Jamie MacColl, the closest they can get to having a hometown show, the crowd is not only gifted with fresh material from their incredibly loved new album, but also with a setlist that gleams through its certain touch of nostalgia. Throughout the whole night, the old is united with the new and in one moment even merged seamlessly. Hits like “Luna”, “Shuffle” and fan favorite “Always Like This” make the crowd bounce and shake like nothing else, while newcomers “I Can Hardly Speak”, “Good Day” and “I Worry About You” offer brief insights into the new record and showcase the growth the band has gone through during their break. Ultimately, the London boys are still the same, with their emotional lyrics, haunting beats, and addictive guitar riffs.
.
Given the quality of their show and the magnetism of the band, it comes as no surprise that loud, persistent screams fill up the venue before an electrifying encore and the Brits’ final goodbyes. It’s a special show that marks the beginning of a new era for Bombay. After all this time, they still remain one of the most progressive indie bands of the past decade, delivering every show as if it were their last. Let’s just hope that they really came to stay this time.
that lemon life 