Live Review: Underoath - O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 26/06/2024
Fans party like there’s no tomorrow at Underoath’s 20th anniversary of ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ with blood, sweat and tears.
Underoath’s second ever album from all the way back in 2004 marked the foundation of early 2000s rock and has since provided inspiration to an abundance of post-hardcore and even metalcore artists. Hailed as one of the flagship albums for a new wave of metal, ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ is remembered and championed for its contribution to the transformative years of the heavy music scene. This year (2024) marks its 20th anniversary and fans are delighted to celebrate its glory and simultaneously [disheartened] by its, and their, age. The tour consisted of 42 American stops and 16 across Europe, 4 of which were in English cities.
Underoath paired up with metalcore titans Static Dress for this legendary celebration. Static Dress have mastered the art of supporting huge bands across the UK and Europe. They always prove to be a joy as an opening act, and this show was no different. Surrounded by prop CRT TVs, Static Dress brought a hypnotic aura to the O2 Forum Kentish Town stage, one of many London stages that they’re all well familiar with. Each live performance by the band, whether as support or headliners, proves the incessant improvement of each member; Olli Appleyard as frontman showcased deep, demonic growls and screams, as bassist George Holding swooned and guitarist Contrast debuted a new slipknot-esque mask. Sam Ogden is a drumming prodigy who really proved his expertise at this London show. It was hard not to take your eyes off of the ginger at the back absolutely ravaging his drum kit.
Unfortunately, this live show was plagued by 30 degree British heat. Whilst fans were initially unperturbed by the O2 oven and threw themselves into a sweaty onslaught of moshing and crowd killing, there came a point wherein Olli paused the performance to bring attention to an unwell attendee at the barrier. Static Dress’ performance was paused for an approximate 10 minutes as fans drowned themselves in water and fanned one another with their hands. Fortunately, the band found time after this incident to play one final song - their ever-famous track ‘clean’ - as Olli preached for kindness and support for one another. Despite the interruption and challenging conditions, Static Dress was a powerful opening act for an iconic gig. The rumbling of George’s bass merged with the actual stampeding of fans in the circle pit, adding to a boisterous experience.
Following the issue with the temperature during Static Dress’ set, the O2 Forum Kentish Town staff were very vigilant and effective throughout that of Underoath. The number of fans in attendance seemed to double in the hour between Static Dress and Underoath, only adding to the stuffiness and sweatiness of the venue. Credit must be given to the staff, crew and band members as time was spared between songs to hand out water and fan the crowd with the setlists. We became sardines in an unopened tin, forming forests of hands and devil horns. As the heat rose among us, our passion and energy ceased to falter. And the excitement of the band themselves was prevalent. Guitarist Tim McTague and bassist Grant Brandell paraded the stage in synchronised cat walks, with Tim veering on breaking his neck with his vicious head banging! It felt that the crowd’s own singing was consistently overpowering that of frontman Spencer Chamberlain!
The love and adoration for Underoath and their legendary album was undeniable, even in the absence of Chris Dudley (keyboardist). The band’s sound resonated in a heavenly style from the stacked balcony to the spilling barricade. The mosh pits were mighty and loving, and crowd surfers came tumbling over the barrier again and again and again. Props to those fans who stuck it out at the barrier to help one another out. Underoath’s set would also come to a stop for another unwell fan. This pause would evolve into a longer break, with Spencer recognising that, whilst they “encourage hardcore shit”, they don’t like to see people hurt at their shows. Fortunately, this fan would be treated by the staff and recover well. Whilst overcoming the various hurdles of this gig, Underoath exhibited perseverance and care for the event and its attendees. And, as expected, they transformed O2 Forum Kentish Town into a mighty emo karaoke bar. Spencer flung himself into the clawing hands of the fans and mercilessly screamed in their faces, throwing his luscious (sweat-drenched) hair around.
Underoath’s celebration of ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ showed a deep love for the band and their contribution to the heavy music scene. It provided an exciting night for old friends and old fans to come back together in celebration. The band gave us a hell of a show, running through ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ in its entirety and, as Spencer put it, “it’s a short album, why not play a bunch of new songs?”; we were treated to select songs from ‘Define The Great Line’ (2006) and ‘Voyeurist’ (2022). The pairing of Static Dress with Underoath was a sweet match. Ironically, one fan almost predicted this pair up 4 years ago when they described Static Dress in saying, “It's like Underoath had a child and this new blood was brought to life to claim back the legacy left behind by their ancestors... We welcome you with joy to our world!”. Whilst the tour is a celebration of a magnificent album, it’s also a show of its influence on the music scene and newer bands like Static Dress.6. And London fans had a blast making this comparison, even through the torturous and sweltering heat.
Words by Erin Hill
Photography by Cameron Cookson
