ShareLondon Grammar performing their Californian Soil UK Tour at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Tuesday 2nd November 2021
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
It was only four years ago that London Grammar were playing to their fans at Rock City but last night they lit up the Motorpoint Arena with a soaring performance that showcased their seamlessly nuanced trip-hop.
Touring in support of their third studio album, the night started with a red swirling dramatic introduction which morphed into the stunning opening number, title track Californian Soil, with its distinctive beats.
There were nods to their earlier albums with the likes of an emphatic Hey Now, Big Picture and Hell To The Liars whilst Wasting My Young Years got the crowd moving along. But it was the songs from their latest album that got the crowd on their feet.
Lord It’s A Feeling was amplified with spectacular projections and strobing effects, How Does It Feel was superb and Baby It’s You is a festival ready banger that didn’t disappoint. But it was Reid’s powerful and distinctive voice that filled the Arena as she demonstrated her impressive vocal range. The unbelievable beauty of her voice could not be denied on new song America whilst main set closer Metal & Dust from their first album sounded great.
Back on for Bones Of Ribbon and the Novello winning turbo ballad Strong, they closed their set with a spectacular arrangement of Lose Your Head which had much of the audience dancing.
Reid may be the face of the band but there is no disputing the contribution of guitarist Dan Rothman and multi-instrumentalist Dominic ‘Dot’ Major, as they create lush, hypnotic songs that translated beautifully on stage. Last night they delivered a fabulous show that the mixed age Nottingham crowd definitely appreciated.
From meeting at Nottingham University and playing local pubs to performing at selected dates as part of Coldplay’s worldwide stadium tour next year, London Grammar have deservedly hit the big time.
