5-9 editor Andrew Belt and contributor Gemma Cockrell select their top 20 live performances of 2024
Looking back at a year with few individual gigs, boosted significantly by attending the always excellent End of the Road Festival, and with the added selections of Nottingham reviewer, Gemma Cockrell, we have whittled down our selections to a top 20.
So, who follows in the footsteps of Metallica, who won our inaugural best live performance accolade for their first night’s performance at Download Festival last year? Read on to find out…
20. Sleater-Kinney, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: Not being too familiar with the legendary rock band, checking out their show on the Friday of the festival was a chance to get to know them. Over a tight hour-long set, the American band played their greatest hits with aplomb, Corin Tucker’s vocals in particular being a standout.
19. Divorce, Face Bar, Reading, October
AB: Having heard good things about Divorce from Album of the Month podcaster and New Music Central’s Karl Blakesley, their show in nearby Reading offered a rare chance to catch an up-and-coming band in the town. The energetic set showcased their talent, with country, indie and punk rolled into one, and the shared vocals of Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell calling to mind The Beautiful South. A great appetiser ahead of their debut album arriving next March.
18. Nilüfer Yanya, HERE at Outernet, London, November
AB: Accurately describing her show as ‘mellow’, Yanya’s sold-out turn at trendy, if poorly organised (judging by the number packed in, the show had sold out well before the final ticket was sold) HERE at Outernet, the headline set was a slow burn. But it was well worth sticking with as trip-hop influenced highlights ‘like i say (runaway)’, ‘the dealer’ and ‘midnight sun’ got an airing, as did an excellent PJ Harvey cover in the encore. Hugely talented, it felt like Yanya going at around 70% of her full potential, but 70% of Yanya is still a long way above the best other artists can offer.
17. Modern Woman, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, September
AB: A band signed to the festival’s record label, Modern Woman had been quiet of late, so it was great to see them return with new music and a new band member, suggesting that the promise they have always shown will get a chance to be fulfilled in upcoming releases. Tuneful and beguiling, let’s hope that they can release some new music in 2025 and build on the momentum which has slowly built since their debut appearance at the festival a few years ago.
16. Richard Dawson, Face Bar, Reading, August
AB: Like Divorce, a rare known entity playing Reading had me instantly buying tickets. The unpredictable folk artist was simply joined by his electric guitar for a typically endearing and entertaining set, with songs from his forthcoming album in 2025 the surprising highlight which augurs well for its release.
15. Sahra Halgan, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: End of the Road Festival always draws new artists to my attention and Halgan joined that list this year. A Somali singer and cultural activist, she was joined by her talented bandmates for a hard-hitting and unique set high on energy, meaning and joy. Halgan’s vocals stood out and were matched wonderfully by the hard rock rhythm band.
IDLES, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: Fully expecting to witness the show of the year, having seen IDLES a few times previously, the breakthrough headline set didn’t quite match my high expectations, with the calls for crowd participation at the start of the set unheeded by the reserved yet respectful audience. The gap of intensity between the band and the crowd lost the connection which usually transforms an IDLES gig - or certainly those I’ve seen in enclosed venues. The band played with their usual gusto, with songs from debut Brutalism overshadowing the more varied offerings from latest album TANGK.
13. InMe, o2 Islington Academy, London, November
AB: Returning to Islington, having played one of 5-9’s top shows in this part of London a year ago, InMe once again leaned heavily on debut album Overgrown Eden for the bulk of the 20-song set, with their headline tour in support of the vinyl release of that LP. The crowd in the small venue were treated to the best of the band during the set, offering plenty of chance for singalongs and headbanging. Frontman Dave McPherson promised a 2025 with new album Demons on its way and hinting at more touring. With sophomore record White Butterfly hitting 20 next year, could a show/tour celebrating that album be on the way? An intriguing prospect, as is 2025 for a band which seems to be enjoying a renaissance of sorts after their mid-2000s heyday.
12. LYVIA, Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, October
GC: LYVIA’s dynamic performance at Rescue Rooms was a mix of heartfelt lyrics and electrifying beats. Her unique style and charisma made her set unforgettable, engaging the audience from start to finish.
11. SIPHO., Southbank Centre, London, June
AB: Like InMe, eclectic Birmingham singer SIPHO. makes the live performance list for a second year in a row. Having toured in support of excellent debut album Prayers and Paranoia at the end of last year, a second show in London so soon was a happy surprise, as part of Chaka Khan’s Meltdown festival at the Southbank. The Purcell Room at the Centre is a formal theatre setting which forced SIPHO. to work harder to make a connection with the audience but his excellent vocals and the jammy, grooviness of his band won all over during the absorbing set.
10. Molly Payton, The Bodega, Nottingham, September
GC: Molly Payton’s indie-rock flair shone through at The Bodega, with a mix of raw emotion and catchy guitar riffs. Her genuine stage presence and storytelling left an indelible impression on the crowd.
9. Jerub, The Bodega, Nottingham, April
GC: Jerub’s soulful voice resonated deeply in The Bodega, creating an intimate yet powerful vibe. His emotionally charged lyrics and unique blend of R&B and indie tones made for a memorable performance.
8. The Lemon Twigs, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: A show I was looking forward to ever since I saw the line-up, The Lemon Twigs didn’t disappoint. Playing the main stage in the early evening with the sun still shining, the Twigs reached into their expanding catalogue of Beach Boys-inspired hits with each member trying their hand seemingly at each instrument as if to demonstrate their virtuosity. The D’Addario brothers won’t win awards for their audience patter, but the hits are more than enough - and very happily, they also snuck in a secret set the same night. Bliss.
7. Deco, Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, October
GC: Deco delivered a synth-pop spectacle at Rescue Rooms, blending 80s-inspired sounds with modern beats. Their set was vibrant and upbeat, creating a danceable atmosphere that had the entire room moving.
6. SPRINTS, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: With the Big Top tent filled to the rafters, the Irish post-punk band cranked the energy levels up to their highest and blasted through an exhilarating set largely made up of their impressive debut album Letter to Self. Intense and fast-paced, this was everything you’d want a rock show to be like.
5. Razorlight, Brixton Academy, London, November
AB: Not a band I had thought about in a long time, the prospect of an Up All Night 20-year anniversary knees-up had me (metaphorically) growing my hair and slapping on my skinny jeans for an evening of soaking up the nostalgia. Do they still have it? Do they heck! Running through their debut album from front to back was a reminder of its place with several peers at the top of the sizeable indie landscape of the mid-2000s. The rest of the set was mainly dominated by their similarly lauded self-titled sophomore effort - a reminder of how good that was too - and even the few new songs sounded good on a triumphant return to their home city.
4. Wunderhorse, Rock City, Nottingham, October
GC: Wunderhorse brought raw energy to Rock City, combining grungy guitars and intense vocals that captivated the crowd. Their performance was electric, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and eager for more.
3. English Teacher, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, September
AB: Reaching the end of festival season, End of the Road provided a victory lap for English Teacher’s touring of excellent debut album This Could Be Texas. The Leeds band played and performed in an accomplished manner which belied their youth, and the celebratory and diverse set to a packed Big Top tent hinted at the success which was to follow just a week later with their Mercury Prize success. A joy to behold.
2. Palehound, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
AB: Playing to a packed Tipi Tent, El Kempner entranced all with her virtuosic acoustic guitar fingerpicking, warmth and storytelling. The set subscribed to the ‘less is more’ mantra as the magic one person can create with their voice and guitar was showcased to stunning effect by Kempner. The crowd were captivated and hushed throughout with a set which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
CMAT, End of the Road Festival, Dorset, August
There are artists and then there are performers. Place Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson - aka CMAT - firmly into the latter. Strutting out onto the main stage with her choreographed and matching supporting band, CMAT grabbed the crowd’s attention and never let go in a glorious hour in the early evening sunshine. The performance called to mind Freddie Mercury for its confidence and grandeur, while also being packed with plenty of humour. A spectacle, from the stage choreography to the audience participation and the excellent songs from her first two albums, CMAT owned this year’s End of the Road Festival and should return to headline next time around - if she hasn’t already outgrown it. A colossal talent and a captivating presence, CMAT is the real deal. Next time she’s in town, grab a ticket!
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