ISLAND end the tour with a sold out show at Scala in London. 

Who said the sky is the limit? As some of ISLAND‘s song titles may suggest, it reaches far beyond that.

We are in for a treat on this Wednesday night at one of the London’s most beloved venues, Scala. Tonight’s show sets a grand finale to the band’s European tour and soon, they are about to take to the stage and perform to a sold out crowd.

As the light dims out and the dark shadows cover the room, a suitable intro The Lights Are Out follows. Despite the fact it may bring a recollection of a different song of theirs, surely nobody would open with one of their most outstanding tracks, wouldn’t they?

ISLAND emerge on stage and showcase two songs from their upcoming sophomore EP, A Place You Like, which will be out early next year. A totally new cut Dreaming Of and euphoric Waves which gracefully spread the charm, because spellbinding is what defines the band’s melodies.

The mellow harmonies, yet tinted with sharpness and urgency, reflect the polished and elegant sound which utterly translates into live format. Seamless transition between the songs goes down effortlessly as the London-based four-piece intertwines the gripping I’ve Been Searching, upbeat Come With Me and alluring Girl.

Tonight’s audience is being served with a few surprises though. The song God Forgive, which has never really left the recording studio, is the offering you can only hear at the band’s live shows, and new captivating track, Feels Like Air, which was written on this tour. Both once again emphasise the immense and well-crafted songwriting skills.

The group’s latest single, A Place You Like, undoubtedly falls as one of tonight’s stand-out moments, showing how the quartet masterfully shapes up euphonious tunes. Cohesive sequences of driven guitars, neat bass lines and precise drum work evenly coexist with Rollo Doherty’s unique vocals. In result, you simply allow your hips a little swing and your voice a little hum along.

The composition of flickering and dancing lights makes a lavish and radiant accompaniment, adding the magnetic factor to the whole aesthetics. What’s more, ISLAND‘s stage presence and dynamic between the guys indicate a firm charisma and comfort, showing that this is a band ready to play much bigger stages.

I must admit that tonight’s show is not what I’m used to really. Certainly less moshing and headbanging, although the bassist and the drummer do a good job with all the hair flicks from time to time, the overall live experience put me at ease. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.

As I find myself surrounded by strangers and as we exchange our views in between songs, I notice how people’s expressions unfold. The guy standing next to me literally goes from “They’re alright” to “Oh shit, that was awesome” after the band plays enticing All You Ever Needed Was Love, to a loud sing-along in Stargazer. If that’s anything to go by, I believe many bands would envy a crowd’s reception as such.

ISLAND‘s critically acclaimed debut single Stargazer, with impressive 1.7 million (and counting) streams on Spotify, opens the encore. As they hit the first chords the audience takes it from there. Many voices join in as the lyrics “And those golden wings shine down like fire / What mortal kings could fall from higher” echo throughout.

Rounding the set up with the song Spotless Mind makes a perfect ending to the emotional journey we’ve been on. As far as I’m concerned everyone felt invited to that place they like, even if just for one song.

One quick photo with the crowd and then they’re off. Just like the stars which flare up and go out, while we all stay there with a desire to stargaze a little bit more.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka