Owl City at Shepherds Bush Empire
Owl City – Shepherds Bush Empire – 9 May 2010
Words by Jamie Reynolds / photos by J Schultz – JamWire.com
I arrived at Shepherds Bush Empire tonight slightly confused as to what was going on because it’s normally packed outside with crowds trying to make their way inside and for some reason the only bustle is that of flippen touts trying to sell their last tickets and this becomes my only confirmation (as well as the Owl City sign) that I haven’t arrived on the wrong night. Regardless, I make my way inside only to find that the reason outside is deserted was because EVERYONE was already inside. I am not sure when last I saw the Bush this full and also with a crowd so different as tonight with ages ranging from what seems to be around 10 until about 90 … no word of lie.
We make our way upstairs to avoid the crowd and ensure that we get the best view possible to take in the show that I have been eagerly anticipating since the bands last show at Electric Ballroom where I left slightly disappointed and despondent but only because I expected more. I read a few reviews then to see if I was wrong and it seemed that a lot of people agreed with me that Adam on that day just seemed to be not as into it as expected and although he was “sick” I just didn’t take it as an excuse. Anyway, that aside, I am here tonight with fresh ears and a blank brain hoping to be entertained and from the first song I am … PROPERLY.
The set starts off with the band being introduced piece by piece kicking into Umbrella Beach which was a great choice. Immediately I am drawn to the lighting that has obviously been well thought of and it’s easy to know that tonight will easily over shadow last times experience and fix my disbelief in Adam’s seriousness of this project.
I really enjoy Adam’s song writing and even though he has been widely criticized for being a one-hit-wonder I seem to disagree. My main worry was always whether Adam would be able to pull off his emotions / “foolishness” to a stage with 2 000 (maybe one day more) people and convince them that he is for real. He does this tonight with the help of a band that seem to be having just as much fun with as much dedication as him and its easy to believe. Adam walks around the stage as if he is relearning how to walk looking slightly awkward but this is what indie music is all about and the 1800 ladies tonight seem to love it. Tonight Adam is confident and outdoes most front men that have been doing this for much longer than his fresh stint.
The set makes its way through favourites like Fireflies, Cave In, Dental Care and The Bird & The Worm and as the night progresses it’s safe to say that there isn’t one person in the venue that hasn’t danced like a young teenager and my brain is going to remember some of the scenes forever. Not many acts can create such a great involvement from the crowd especially when half of the venue is “seated”.
All in all, this was a great show with people smiling, laughing, crying, clapping and dancing and although Adam and his project are constantly going to receive negative feedback I cannot myself find anything about tonight that I can moan about. This is what a show is about and I am assured that everyone who paid to see this show left 100% satisfied and that is all that matters.
I look forward to watching Adam’s progress and the drop of his next album and even more to reading what people have to say about it all.
If you missed this show because you were worried about being considered “uncool” then you really missed out so make sure that next time you are rather “uncool” and go and have yourself a really enjoyable and memorable night. Go Owl City ……. Done!
