LIVE FROM THE PIT: Afterdrive, Baby Said and SWRVE
Some performances leave you wanting more when the lights dim; AFTERDRIVE makes you wish the night would never end.
Taking the stage at the intimate O2 Islington 2, they delivered a set that showed not only why they're an exciting band to watch, but also what a great band can be. From the initial chords of Necklace to the closing notes of Afterdrive (Outro), they commanded the stage with electric energy that never dulled. With SWRVE and BABY SAID joining the lineup, the evening had plenty to offer before the headliner took the stage.
SWRVE brought an immediate commanding stage presence, carrying themselves with a confidence that made them not only engaging to watch but opening the evening with a strong impression, amping up the atmosphere.
BABY SAID followed with an outstanding performance with catchy lyrics and power voices immediately standing out. Their energy throughout their set was undeniably infectious, bouncing around the stage and keeping the momentum going. They also displayed a real talent for building excitement and to create the perfect atmosphere that set the scene for a night not to be forgotten.
Opening with the recognisable guitar riffs of Necklace, AFTERDRIVE immediately ignited the room with unquestionable energy. There is a certain confidence that comes from a band that knows exactly who they are and what their sound represents, and AFTERDRIVE brought it in abundance. The band commanded the stage effortlessly, with undeniable chemistry that was just as entertaining as the performance itself. Their interactions made it clear they weren’t simply musicians sharing a stage, but a group that genuinely loves what they do.
And their passion for music translated clearly throughout the set; the guitar solos were nothing short of insane, adding an extra layer of excitement to tracks that already sounded fantastic. If the performance couldn’t have been any more perfect, their set list had something for everyone, mixing tracks from their recent EP Dress to Drive with earlier releases.
Although Often was a particular highlight, Cars really brought the room together. The reaction the crowd had to the song was ultimately infectious; there is something special about watching an entire room get swept up in the same song, and AFTERDRIVE made it impossible to not join in.
The venue’s intimacy worked in their favor, bringing the band and the audience together, and their constant engagement with the crowd took that energy and ran with it. There was never any sense of separation between the band and the crowd; instead, the entire room felt part of the experience.
As Afterdrive (Outro) brought the evening to a close, one overwhelming, inescapable feeling ran through the room: nobody wanted it to end. There’s just something about seeing a band play with that level of real passion that makes the music really hit you, and that was undeniably one of those nights.
With a performance like this, it was an unforgettable and fitting end to the Dress to Drive tour. AFTERDRIVE have proven exactly why they're a band worth watching; if this tour is any indication, they’re only going to get better. Words and Photos: Morgan Ashman
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