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Live: AGAINST THE CURRENT // O2 Forum Kentish Town, London

New York trio Against The Current return to the UK to celebrate the release of their second album, Past Lives.

Thrilling from start to finish, Against The Current took their live performance to a whole new level at The Forum last Saturday night.

Probably the best I had ever seen them, the band were truly mesmerising as they delivered a set jam-packed with some of their most exquisite songs alongside their brand new material.

Having just released their sophomore effort, Past Lives, the band kicked off the show with infectious new tracks Strangers Again and Personal. Their newly found electronic and poppier sensibilities flared right up, injecting the energetic spark from the very first note. Without ever losing the sharpness and precision in executing their live skills, ATC made sure the night was all about having fun.

Bathed in pinks and blues, the technicolour visuals were a lush accompaniment to the band’s vibrant sound adding an extra layer to the whole aesthetics. Taking a trip down memory lane to their 2015’s Gravity EP, the titular track brought along the melodic charm of their early material what made their old school fans especially happy.

Jumping from one side of the stage to the other, Chrissy Constanza’s powerhouse vocals were, well just ridiculous. Striking with confidence and a magnetic charisma, frontwoman kept the crowd in the palm of her hand whilst setting up the pace. In between electrifying guitars of Running With The Wild Things and upbeat rhythmics in One More Weekend, there was a space for emotional Chasing Ghosts and Roses, which created a more tender moment allowing for a deeper reflection.

Elsewhere in the set, Almost Forgot and Voices were another delightful tastes of their new record. Whilst first hit us with blissful, groovy pop harmonies, the latter was a demonstration of the fiercer side of the band. Losing ourselves in the massive singalong in Runaway and swaying to the mellow vibes of Demons, ATC rounded off the main set in an elegant way.

The acoustic-led arrangement in In Our Bones opened the encore, sending out the optimistic message as the lyrics “We’re born to be electric” started to echo throughout the room. Transforming into a cascading soundscape, the darker undertones of Wasteland served as their way to say goodbye to us. And just like that, they were gone.

Blurring the lines between the world of pop and rock music, Against The Current have managed to create their own unique sphere filled with catchy hooks and sonic variations. With a glowing stage presence and fast growing following base, they have risen higher and their live performances are best to prove it.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka