YUNGBLUD
O2 Forum Kentish Town

Ensconced in an old art deco cinema turned long-term live venue, Yungblud’s Occupy the UK tour is in town for a five-night residency. It’s a whirlwind rollercoaster ride through the 24-year old singer’s two albums.

When the lights dim, a giant pair of red lips are projected on the backdrop and after a short treatise on being true to yourself, Yungblud – aka Dominic Harrison – hurtles on stage.

Backed by drums and guitar he takes the audience on a 17-track tour of his two albums – with a 90-minute set that wears Generation Z on its sleeve.

Digitally savvy, gender fluid, angry, sad, and all to a post-punk, industrial pop backdrop that calls My Chemical Romance, Marilyn Manson and a bit of Arctic Monkeys to mind, this is music for the masses of the modern age.

There’s delight in opener Strawberry Lipstick, and by the third track superdeadfriends – with echoes of Hobo Humpin Slobo Babe by Whale – he has the audience eating out of his hand, buoyed by his boundless energy as he careers around the stage, extolling the audience to get involved.

And they do.

Whether jumping in tandem during Fleabag, joining in challenging authority in Anarchist, or just plain enjoying the music and attitude in signature track Life on Mars, this is a welcome return to live music.

It’s also a simple example of how strangers united by a shared passion come together and can be taken on an enjoyable escapade, in this case very much driven by Yungblud’s personality and performance.

There may be a bit too much banter, but the message is the right one, and while the music may be a bit light touch it fills the room, warms the audience and works.

Harrison is the centre of attention, and rightly so.

His care for and connection with his audience and quite a few killer tracks help you get past the almost constant gurning, but most importantly he creates a safe space.

A space where you can be who you are, throw off criticism and be proud of yourself.

This is a collection of anthems for the awkward that embrace one and all, and the audience welcome it with open arms.

For dates information visit www.yungbludofficial.com/tour