Fresh off the release of their self-titled debut album, The Magic Gang warmed the hearts of a buzzing crowd at Camden’s Electric Ballroom.

With three EPs in their catalogue, the time had finally come for The Magic Gang to release their much-anticipated debut full-length. Beaming with vibrant collection of anthemic songs, the record perfectly reflected their musical ideals. With a guitar-led core and their weakness for hopeless romanticism, it cemented The Magic Gang as one of the most exciting British bands.

In the last three years I’ve seen this Brighton four-piece perform on numerous occasions. Whether they played a supporting slot or their own headline show, or graced a smaller festival stage, The Magic Gang had never disappointed. Aimed to connect with the audience as well as simply entertain, their sets have always brought out the best in people. From the loudest sing-along moments to the craziest moshpit actions, it’s all been about having fun. As it should be. And their last week’s London show proved to be exactly that.

According to the tracklisting order, The Magic Gang presented their debut album almost in its entirety, making every song feel like a fan favourite. Emerging on stage to the sound of erupting cheers, they kicked things off with the brilliant track Oh, Saki. Setting the upbeat mood in an instant, their signature dual vocal harmonies, courtesy of Jack Kaye and Kristian Smith, started to shine.

The Magic Gang seamlessly balanced between more intense rock structures (Getting Along) and bouncy pop melodies (All This Way), revealing their romantic and nostalgic side on tracks such as Your Love. Gus Taylor’s sleek bass lines and Paeris Giles’s drum work led the rhythmics in a truly captivating manner (Caroline), you wouldn’t even realise when your hip moves started to take over your body.

Elsewhere in the set, the band effortlessly delivered their blend of arena-ready hooks and relatable lyrics on the old school tune Alright and the absolute favourite Jasmine. The crowd remained highly energetic throughout, slowing down just for one song Take Care. Showcasing Taylor on vocal duties, the piano ballad created a beautiful and honest moment.

After the pulsating guitar licks of How Can I Compete rounded the main set off the huge demand for encore commenced. “This feels like a real moment for the four of us. It feels like those last years led to this, but it also feels like the beginning of the next chapter”, Gus took the opportunity to acknowledge their accomplishments as well as their fans.

Next, in the true The Magic Gang style another heartbreak was served. With Smith’s lead vocal on I’ll Show You the melancholia quickly transitioned into the ultimate banger All I Want Is You. “This is the last one, see you next time”, they said. The chorus echoed across the room long after the band had left the stage.

With magnetic charm and strong dynamics on stage, their live shows are purely phenomenal. The Magic Gang have always appeared to be some sort of the favourites on the indie music scene, but now with another UK run under their belt, it seems like they have risen even higher.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka