Live Review: Sundara Karma - O2 Academy Brixton, London 05/10/2017

After the release of their stunning album ‘Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect’ earlier this year, Reading stars Sundara Karma play their biggest headline show to date at Brixton Academy.

Starting with ‘Another Word for Beautiful’, Sundara Karma stroll onstage, casually all wearing matching outfits. This intro teaser brings Brixton to life with the crowd raging as soon as the band appear from the epic light set.

It wasn’t long before ‘A Young Understanding’ and anthemic ‘Loveblood’ take the spotlight. Accompanying lead singer and guitarist Oscar Pollack’s unique, spine tickling vocals was a series of overwhelming lights, sending everyone in a frenzy. With the stage being a large one to fill, the group don’t hold back on covering it all. Ally Baty (Guitarist) and Dominic Cordell (Bassist) scurry round stage with Oscar in particular, making his mark as he throws himself from side to side.

Much to hard core fans delight the carnage continues with the surprise appearance of older tracks ‘Run Away’ and ‘Diamond Cutter’ from 2015 EP II. Alongside unforgettable guitars and immense drums, Oscar’s voice is raw and full of emotion throughout these memorable tracks.

Storming into ‘She Said’, this poignant moment reveals the echo of the room as unison singing ripples from every corner. ‘She said I don’t wanna go out chasing/ I kinda wanna go out dancing’ bellowed around the iconic Brixton Academy, encapsulating everyone.

With a brief encore the band return with touching ‘Happy Family’ bringing a mellow atmosphere as everyone beams with delight. Final song ‘Explore’ sees Sundara Karma bring their headliner to a triumphant close.





Review and Photography by Lauren McDermott