To say that Everything Everything are energetic would be an understatement.
To say that they know how to put on a show would be putting it mildly. To say that they’re one of this country’s best live bands? Well, we think that would be justified.
Why? Because they appeal to a part of you that you didn’t even know you had; the part that just wants to let go and dance. For one glorious hour, Everything Everything have the power in their hands to make you forget about everything except a simple desire to enjoy yourself and dance like no one – and everyone – is watching.
The Manchester five-piece have been riding the wave of their third album Get To Heaven since its release in April, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. Their set at London’s intimate Under The Bridge – presented as part of Q Magazine’s fantastic Q Awards Gigs series – serves as a rare opportunity for fans to see a band at the peak of their powers play in a venue that’s smaller than most.
We’re struggling to think of anything bad to say
Their set simply can’t be faulted. They have your absolute attention from the moment they step out onto the stage, and that’s the way it stays. Within seconds we’re gone, caught up in the Northern boys’ punchy basslines and rising falsetto, as the band settle down into their hour-long set of radio hits and fan favourites. The electro-thump of Kemosabe is an early highlight, while recent single Regret sparks the first mass singalong of the night.
Frontman Jonathan Higgs is an angsty ball of charisma; his stage presence is second-t0-none, and his wailing vocals are allowed space to shine thanks to the talents of the band. The band close the main portion of their set with a quick-fire one-two of Cough Cough and Distant Past, before closing the night’s proceedings with an encore of crowd favourite (and set highlight) My KZ, Ur BF.
Everything Everything deserve far more credit than they get. Their music is intricately layered art-pop, and their choruses have been expertly crafted to get stadium-sized crowds dancing. They’re exciting, they’re innovative, and they’re one of the best live bands in the country – you need to check them out.