Live Review: Coin - Omera, London 01/04/2022
Nashville trio Coin set London’s Omeara alight during a warm-up show for their new album, Uncanny Valley.
Fresh off the release of their fourth album, Nashville based trio Coin descended on London to give their eager fans a tease of Uncanny Valley brought to life. The venue of choice is Omeara, a small and charismatic venue nestled in the arches beneath London Bridge station. It’s peeling facade merely adds to the aesthetic, and the venue is practically full by the time support act Edie Bens takes to the stage.
The simplicity of a girl with a guitar as a support act can often be lost to an audience, but Edie receives a rousing reception, filling her set with some quirky and relatable songs alongside a beautiful rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘I’m on Fire’.
The acoustic nature of Edie only electrifies the anticipation for the main event. The crowd erupts as Coin take to the stage, before immediately bursting into ‘Into My Arms’, followed swiftly by Uncanny Valley’s lead single, ‘Chapstick’. By the time ‘I Want It All’ plays, everybody in the 300 strong crowd is jumping.
“Can we play a song we’ve never played live before?” asks frontman Chase Lawrence, before unleashing latest single ‘Brad Pitt’ onto the crowd. Accompanied by a commanding stage presence to rival any of the big hitters, it is more than well received. Surprisingly, however, it is the final taste of the new album, for this evening at least. Coin are about to head out supporting Australian heavyweights 5 Seconds of Summer on their UK and Ireland Arena tour, so they can be forgiven for sticking to some familiarity over brand new material.
It’s their first time in the UK since 2018, and it’s clear to see their loyal fans are desperate for more. This show was only announced a week prior, yet sold out almost immediately. Speaking to members of the crowd, some have travelled from as far as Scotland and Ireland. The appreciation from the band is evident, particularly from Chase, who can’t hide the overwhelming joy on his face as ‘Malibu 1992’ is sung back to him in perfect unison.
Coin have never played a headline tour outside of the US, and although an extensive tour is planned throughout the year, it doesn’t extend beyond North America. Nevertheless, Chase can’t help but exclaim “We’re coming back this year. I don’t know how, but we’ll make it happen!” before closing the set with fan favourites; ‘Talk Too Much’, ‘Crash My Car’ and debut album hit ‘Fingers Crossed’ and wishing their adoring fans a good night. Except they aren’t ready to leave yet. Despite their best efforts, and chants of “One More Song” ringing through the venue, no encore was to come. Only when the technicians began dismantling the drum kit, did the crowd finally concede that the show was over, for now at least.
We’ll have to wait and see if Coin do make it over for a UK tour this year. But if there is anything to take from tonight, it is clear that one is long overdue. Not only are they ready as a band, but their fans have shown just how desperate they are for more.
Words by Sam Daly
