Live Review: alt-J - O2 Academy, Bournemouth 06/09/2017

After seeing alt-J perform to 20,000 at The O2 back in June, we headed down to see how their performance would stand up in a venue less than 10% of the capacity on their Seaside Tour. Opening up for Alt-J, Blaenavon, who supported them back in June, pulled off an exhilarating performance yet again. A small group of fans at the front are there for them, singing along to every word. Jumping around the stage, hair flicks all over the place, it would’ve been an incredibly visual performance if their lighting was not so blue. Although this does not take away from their quirky vibe, maybe just for this show they should’ve been renamed Bluenavon…

The venue was packed from top to bottom with fans eagerly awaiting alt-J to grace the stage. A little bit of a downsize to the last time we saw them but the same vibe filled the place, maybe even more so due to the intimate compact feel. As the lights go dim and they walk on stage, the venue comes alive, with everyone singing along to their classics such as ‘Taro’ and ‘Matilda’. There is no comparison in performance quality, Alt-J could play in a 20,000 cap venue one day and somebody’s living room the next and the show would still be as enchanting and beautiful as the last. The crowd are passionate, Alt-J are incredible, the whole night was well worth a trip to the seaside!



Photography and Review by Ami Ford