Athlete, O2 Academy 2, Newcastle
Victoria Watson, Evening Chronicle
"OH, it’s getting hot in here" sang Athlete’s lead singer Joel Pott while performing debut single You Got The Style in a stifling O2 Academy 2 last night. He wasn’t wrong, but despite that, Athlete managed to keep the crowd happy for their 90-minute set.
This intimate gig may have been a mission to publicise the band’s forthcoming album release, but it served as a wonderful reminder as to why Athlete are so popular. After a shaky start – the band took to the stage only to disembark seconds later due to a technical hitch – Athlete soon had the crowd singing along to some of their greatest hits, like Tourist and El Salvador. My own personal favourite, Half Light, about a long- distance love affair, was absolutely breathtaking. Lyrics like "The taste of your kiss, I’ve still got on my lips" cement the Athlete boys as purveyors of some of the most profound lyrics in modern music.
The band previewed two tracks from new album Black Swan to a warm reception. The Getaway is a heavy rock anthem, and Black Swan Song is classic Athlete: a haunting rock ballad. If the rest of the album is this good, the guys have a massive hit on their hands.
The group’s harmonies and vocals were note-perfect.
Despite bass player Carey Willetts being absent due to a knee injury, stand-in Rhys coped admirably as the group raced through 15 stunning tracks. Having been lulled to sleep by their albums Vehicles and Animals and Tourist on many occasions, I wondered whether Athlete would have the stage presence to hold my interest. I needn’t have worried. Pott’s banter was well-humoured, even managing to make a joke about Newcastle United without offending the crowd. The whole group’s enthusiasm made them a joy to watch and the interaction with the crowd will definitely make them a favourite when they perform at V Festival later this summer.
