Years & Years Liverpool 02 Academy 20.10.2015
It was June when I first caught this band live, they seem to be 2015's Act Of The Year as their music is everywhere and their name on everybody's lips, with 3 successful singles and hit debut album 'Communion', they've also just returned from a sellout debuting tour in the U.S.
Tonight in the 1'200 capacity venue in Liverpool it is baking Hot,it hits you as you walk through the doors even more after 3 flights of stairs phew.. , support is from Oscar Cusa, its all a bit bland for me but the music passes the time, the next band "Shamir" are a fabulous contradiction a rhythmic disco band with flamboyant and quietly spoken male singer who puts me in mind of the Female Rookie cop in 'Police Academy', but when his band starts their set its a complete hit with me, very catchy songs , a funky disco group with a unique feel to their set, I've not witnessed before since watching ' Nile Rodgers & Chic ' back in the summer.
I feel like I'm in 'New York' in a smouldering Hot bar ,ceiling dripping and the music vibrant, it's not too long to wait for the main act 'Years & Years' as their set is revealed the keyboards with electro lights on and main lighting feature front stage its not too over blown on production and art direction, as they walk on its to a never more welcoming reception of a mainly teenage crowd with enthusiasm I've not seen since the Olympics.
Singer 'Olly Alexander' is the most unlikely of pop stars, he is like a shy teenager at a school assembly when picking up a certificate of merit, which is one of the traits that make him so endearing to his fans,he stands out at 6ft tall, in long shorts and Stussy Sports vest, freshly shaved blonde tipped hair, he looks like he's off to play a basketball game not headline his own gig.
Eyes closed to the wall of sound around him lights dimmed and spotlight on, his hands are around the mic for 1st track 'Foundations', there is no frantic pushing from the crowd just dancing and swaying in supportive fashion,much of the sold out crowd singing back all of the words at 'Olly' , you can see in his expression he's overwhelmed, he has the "What The Fxxk Have I Created Look" on his face, genuine shock at the crowds reception to the band ,for a band at such an early stage in their career.
He then goes into next track 'Take Shelter' and one of my favs 'Desire' and he showcases the famous 'Olly' 'Shuffle and Grind' ("How low can you go" lol) we get more album tracks , and later we get hit song 'Shine' and then for one fan a magical moment, as 'Olly' asks this girl to get up on stage with him as he sings a song to her it's her birthday and she looks 15-16, she takes a seat nervously alongside him hugs him and then... switches on her mobile to film it #SignOTheTimes ?
She sits in awe and then starts to.. what looks like texting to me, (I caught up with her after the show and she told me she wasn't texting she was trying to switch her phone on ready for a selfie but was nervous and shaky couldn't do it aw bless #Superfan) , 'Olly' didn't disappoint and helped take a selfie after the song he later invited more fans on stage to dance with him, during the set the surprise cover was 'Toxic' by 'Britney Spears' which really worked its a slower paced version than the pop classic .
They end with smash hit 'King' the track which got me here tonight, it raised the roof, and boy was it Hot still !! that all throughout the show Me and my mate had to throw ice cubes down our clothes it worked we were cooled lol, at one point 'Olly' came down from the stage to walk along the front and in a hilarious mad moment my mate patted him on his head and he patted her back, people were grabbing at him everywhere and I decided I'll get him to shake my hand as I was distracting him he looked over in a funny expressive manner took my hand and shook it, it wasn't planned but nothing ever is #GoWithTheFlow, and well that is it 'Olly' humbly took a bow thanked us all waved and stood once again his hand covering mouth in total shock at the loud wall of noise from the crowd below he's so shy its almost cute #CatThatGotTheCream grin, and then they were gone.
Another excellent performance from 'Years & Years' as we leave its pouring down with rain and it hasn't rained much in what feels like #YearsAndYears #LongHotSummer til the show comes around not too long from now ....
LMi xo
