Blossoms at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, gig review: Indie pop in its purest vein

Stockport band already have their stage presence nailed

(Nicky Kelvin)

Stockport natives Blossoms brought their indie pop funk sound to London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, to an audience utterly enthralled in feel-good, guitar-infused reverie.

Walking out on stage to “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West, the band already have their stage presence nailed; for a band so young and so early into their career, their fanbase is vast and their confidence is tangible.

Tom Ogden on lead vocals captivates the crowd immediately, leading the band on three tracks (“At Most A Kiss”, “Blow” and “Cut Me And I’ll Bleed”) before making the introductions – although a No 1 debut album tends to do that all by itself.

Getting slightly more into the festive spirit, Ogden and co close “My Favourite Room” with a medley of covers including “You’re Gorgeous”, Wham! classic “Last Christmas” and the Oasis song-turned-Christmas-favourite (thanks, John Lewis) “Half The World Away”. A mass singalong echoes round the venue.

Back for their encore, the five-piece performed “Texia”, “Polka Dot Bones” and “Deep Grass” before sending the packed-out Empire home happy with a pumped-up energetic rendition of favourite “Charlemagne”.

With bandmates Charlie Salt (bass), Josh Dewhurst (lead guitar), Joe Donovan (drums) and Myles Kellock (keyboards), Blossoms are making indie cool again. It’s fun, loud and accessible – indie pop in its purest vein, and it’s bloody good.