Live Review: Phoenix - O2 Brixton Academy, London 16/11/2022
Nearly 30 years on since they formed, the four Frenchmen of Versailles proved they still know how to entertain and then some at Brixton Academy on Wednesday - reaffirming their status as indie rock royalty.
Their last UK performance was at 2018’s All Points Eve Festival, so this show was long overdue, and damn, was it worth the wait.
Phoenix’s set was a one-and-a-half-hour-long euphoric triumph, full of moments of reflection, polished stage production and unrivalled indie-chic.
A heavy black theatrical curtain raised as the band launched straight into upbeat ‘Lisztomania’ and ‘Entertainment’.
The Academy’s own opulently-themed side stage decorations met their match with the band’s stage visuals, as depictions of Versailles, royal courts and starry courtyards swept the stage - the perfect compliment to Phoenix's unique blend of genre-spanning, historically-inspired, often futuristic-sounding music.
The audience was taken on a journey to infinity (quite literally at one point, as a visual zoomed out lightyears away from earth) and beyond - I left feeling like I’d been in a mega, uber-cool, French music video.
At times the show felt like a rock opera, with each performer playing their part and posturing to the audience.
When a band member would play a solo or treat the audience to something special, a single spotlight would shoot down on them, catapulting them into the limelight.
The show was unpredictable and erratic at times, but never messy - everything was pulled off with a sense of suaveness - even stage mishaps seemed cool AF.
After close to 30 years of performing, on-stage hiccups naturally don’t phase them, and if anything add to the performance.
Messed-up lyrics? No sweat, they’ll just start again. If anything, it was a bonus, giving Phoenix fans who were starved of the opportunity to see the band for years, a chance to hear the intro to their favourite song one more time.
As much as they are achingly cool, the band are equally humble - there was a tangible air of humility in their words and actions.
Midway through the show, lead singer Thomas Mars confesses: “London makes us nervous. The first show we did here at Tokyo Joe’s was in 2000 - we failed miserably and every record company executive was there and for 5 to 6 years they wouldn't play us on the radio”.
He then thanked the audience, addressed them as friends, and expressed his gratitude for them always showing up.
The group took a moment to honour their late collaborator Phillipe Zdar, one half of the legendary duo Cassius, and producer of many of the songs played on the night.
An onscreen in memoriam graced the stage following 2020’s ‘Identical’, which was also released in memory of the much-revered musician.
The show reached a fever pitch just before the encore with a heavier track; deep electro riffs and thundering drum solos ricocheted around the room for ‘If I Ever Feel Better / Funky Squaredance’ as the band dropped to their knees in unison.
Lead singer Mars faced an ominous obscured figure lurking at the back of the stage - it felt as though we were watching him reach the climax of a turbulent quest or the boss level of a game.
A short encore followed before Mars and bassist/keyboardist Deck d'Arcy reappeared for the desire-fuelled track ‘Fior de Latte’.
This track was stripped-back and more relaxed compared to the synthy, indie-pop at the core of the show.
Mars casually sat on the piano like a 1940s lounge singer, at times choosing to stand on it.
As the show approached curtain call, the band’s attention turned fully to the crowd - roles reversed, it was their time to perform.
During ‘Trying to Be Cool’ a camera projected footage of the audience on-screen as Mars crooned: “I'm just trying to be cool. It's all because of you”.
The much-loved ‘1901’ was swiftly followed with a reprise of ‘Identical’, as Mars clambered into the crowd, complete with long mic cable, to personally thank everyone for being at the show.
He was quickly propped up by the adoring crowd and soon stood on what looked like a sea of people.
Without sounding cliche, it felt like one of those ‘moments’, not just for the audience, but also for lead singer Mars.
You could see the frontman soaking up the atmosphere, slightly in awe, before tuning back into the track, saluting the crowd as the beat dropped, and promptly heading back on stage - never one to miss a musical cue.
The band undoubtedly reclaimed their throne with this showstopper of a gig - a multisensory reminder of their legacy and greatness. Long live Versailles’ kings of indie electro-pop.
Words by Monique Hall
Photography by Abigail Shii
