Sea Girls cement their cult indie status at London's O2 Academy
As they join the lineup of the venue's joyous return to the music scene, Hayley Milross witnesses a band that deliver no matter the size of the stage, and only get better with time.
After a recent pivot away from the confines of a major label, Sea Girls break free from the cocoon of convention and strive to do things their own way.
As paper butterflies flutter out of confetti cannons on the opening song of their show, a night of their usual charm with an added sense of ferocity begins. This is by far not the biggest show they’ve played though – previously gracing the vast Alexandra Palace and a well known name on the festival circuit for several years, Sea Girls are very used to delivering sets filled with pureblood indie anthems in fields across the country. But the recently reopened, small but mighty O2 Academy Brixton, a venue that has welcomed many of their indie pop ancestors over the years, was the perfect setting for last night’s spectacle.
Whilst a celebration of their new found freedom and of their latest album Midnight Butterflies, the highlights of the show were in the simplistic delivery of the classics. The choruses of fan favourite "Call Me Out" being particularly spine-tingling. Needing no prompt or command, the crowd sang the words back with inch-perfect recall. The more vulnerable lyrics that fill tracks such as "I Want You To Know Me," "Paracetamol Blues" and "Superman" are welcomed by the crowd with a warm embrace. Delivered with the same hefty punch as their more joyous counterparts, they keep the crowd engaged throughout.
A wannabe stadium band in the knowledge that they create stadium anthems leave not much room for words, other than to call the show a “special night.” Breaking from song only for Camamile to stand aloft the crowd and immerse himself in the controlled chaos he created. A surprise cover of Shaboozey’s viral hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" greets the encore, before the obvious closer "All I Want To Hear You Say" rounds off the night.
With an already devoted following, Sea Girls propel themselves to cult indie status with a concise set that builds on their irresistible live show with an added level of independence and freedom. The songs of their new album blend seamlessly with the classics of previous albums to create the greatest hits tracklist in the future.
Setlist
Midnight Butterflies
First On My List
Paracetamol Blues
Superman
Call Me Out
Hometown
After Hours
Ready For More
Violet
Horror Movies
Sick
Forever
Too Much Fun
Do You Really Wanna Know?
Does God Only Know We’re Lonely?
Come Back To Me
I Want You To Know Me
A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Shaboozey Cover]
Damage Done
All I Want To Hear You Say
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