Live Review: Holly Humberstone - Eventim Apollo, London 13/03/2024
Playing her biggest headline show to date, ‘The Holly Humberstone Show’ is a triumphant celebration of all that has been achieved so far, and all that is surely to come.
It’s a Wednesday night, and the Eventim Apollo is sold out. That’s a sure sign for a delightful evening, and ‘The Holly Humberstone Show’ exceeds all expectations as Holly’s biggest headline show to date. Inviting you into her personal world with her heart-on-sleeve lyricism, it guides you on a thrilling journey through heartbreak, nostalgia, yearning, before ultimately emerging stronger on the other side. Weaving old and new materials in an astounding 20-track setlist, there is something for everyone and it is near impossible to leave without a lasting memory of the night.
Starting off the evening is Alaskan musician Medium Build, whose emotion-laden tracks juxtaposes against his humorous interludes to immediately put you at ease. His warmth makes you feel like he’s your next-door neighbour, and tracks like ‘Gimme Back My Soul’ and ‘Crying Over U’ encourage you to similarly lay bare your vulnerabilities. Inviting the crowd to ‘scream at me for the things you don’t know, for the things you do know, and for the pain that hasn’t happened yet’, the collective catharsis in ‘Rage’ uncovers Medium Build’s ability to forge a connection that transcends borders and personal differences. ‘Cuz of U’ is a touching finale, as musing lyricism intertwines with synth beats in a barely-restrained build up before dropping away to poignant and exposed vocals for a reflective ending.
Against this backdrop, fans faithfully cheer as the now-familiar introduction to Humberstone’s debut album ‘Paint My Bedroom Black’ comes across the speakers. The band faithfully takes their position and layers onto the pre-recorded samples before Humberstone herself emerges with a shy smile and immediately immerses herself within the music. Driving ahead into the glittering electronics and kaleidoscopic textures of ‘Into Your Room’, Humberstone’s earnest vocals cut through like glass to remind us all of how we fell so in love with her in the first place. Despite the size of the venue and nearly 9000 people present, Humberstone maintains a close intimacy throughout that makes her so lovable and relatable as a musician.
Bringing more energy in the live renditions of ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’ and ‘Overkill’, fans can hardly resist a dance along as Humberstone assumes more confidence with the full force of the band to accompany her. However, ‘Kissing In Swimming Pools’ flit to the other end of the spectrum, unveiling a tenderness and ardent longing that envelops you with its sweetness as Humberstone’s honeyed vocals spell out her intimate thoughts. As a warm pink glow envelopes the stage, the amorous mood is irresistible with swirling guitars and desirous basslines to slow down the world around you, albeit briefly. Quickly picking up the pace again with the buoyant ‘Cocoon’, Humberstone is joined by Medium Build and the duo delivers a dynamic and captivating performance where their connection through music is clear for all to see and join in on.
‘Deep End’ marks a turning point, not just within the set by pulling back the pace, but also in the context of Humberstone’s wider career. She explains how when she released it nearly four years ago around the time of the pandemic, she never imagined she would be here today and playing it in the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. Yet as she delivers the affirming last line, “I’m ready now to swim”, it feels like this moment was destined to happen from the start. The years of releasing music and performing makes Humberstone command that very moment with a maturity that exceeds her age, and there’s something inexplicably special about witnessing this stage that Humberstone has finally arrived at.
Closing out with ‘Ghost Me’, ‘Friendly Fire’, and ‘Scarlet’, it’s an energetic hurtle towards the end that rouses everyone onto their feet (if they were not dancing along already). With loud singalongs, confetti, and a wide beam on everyone’s face, it’s an ending that leaves you feeling sheer joy and fills you with optimism. As predicted from the start, ‘The Holly Humberstone Show’ is an unforgettable evening that sees Humberstone at the current pinnacle of her journey, and as we continue to witness her rising success, it will be sure to remain lodged in everyone’s memories for a while to come.
Words by Athena Kam
Photography by James Kirkland
