British indie-rock band, Razorlight, head to O2 Guildhall in Southampton to kick off their Planet Nowhere Tour.
Words: Micha Thompson
Photos: Olivia Brown
FLORENTENES
Florentenes are first to take to the stage: the Manchester-based band are quickly making a name for themselves in the music scene. With the youngest band member being just 14, this four-piece have proven they have a promising future ahead. A particular stand-out moment was Death While Standing: the vocals from Will Train Smith were nothing short of captivating and the crowd’s excitement was palpable.
The band introduce Glue as a ‘slow song’, but it quickly turns into another adrenaline-filled performance. The final track, Just Like A Friend, has the crowd wanting more, with the audience clapping along to the electrifying blue lights. As their set came to a close, it was clear that Florentenes are not just ones to watch – they’re already well on their way to becoming essentials in the next generation of British indie-rock.
SEB LOWE
The second support act: Seb Lowe, certainly made quite the impression with Here Come The Aliens! – a striking blend of political commentary, poignant lyricism and prominent violin melodies.
A Westerner Walks Into A Bar was a key moment in the set, delivering a powerful message that hit even harder under the dramatic wash of red lighting. Seb Lowe’s growth as a performer is undeniable – compared to his 2023 support slot for Inhaler, he now owns the stage with a newfound confidence, drawing the audience in and holding their attention from start to finish.
RAZORLIGHT
Razorlight kicked off the night with Rip It Up; an explosive opener that immediately ignited the crowd. Johnny Borrell launched into the set with captivating vocals, setting an electric tone for the evening. It was the ideal way to welcome Razorlight back on tour, making it clear the audience was in for an unforgettable performance.
Zombie Love got the crowd moving from the first note. Borrell’s vocals pair perfectly with pulsing green and purple lighting that bathed the venue in a vibrant glow. The rhythm drove through the room like a heartbeat, and the connection between the band members was electric. Each note and lyric lands with precision and passion.
Golden Touch’s irresistible beat has every voice in the crowd singing along. Guitarist, Gus Robertson, brings an extra burst of energy to the stage, hyping up the audience and driving the momentum even higher. At one point, the crowd belted out an entire verse on their own, filling the venue with hundreds of voices. It’s a goosebumps moment that captures the magic of live music at its best.
2004 hit, In the City, begins with a stripped-back acoustic intro, gradually building into a high-energy anthem. As the chorus kicked in, Johnny Borrell leapt and darted across the stage, his infectious energy mirrored by the crowd. His vocals soared through the Guildhall, amplified by an echoing effect that added depth towards the end. Red flashing lights pulsed in sync with the track’s intensity, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
INFECTIOUS ANTHEMS
Razorlight leave the stage with the crowd chanting for more. They made their way back to the stage for an electrifying encore featuring Sugar High, Goodnight and of course, America. “Thanks so much for coming out,” Johnny praised the audience, “It’s a big deal to be able to make an album with the four of us after all these years”. Sugar High, an unreleased track, was teased as part of their ‘upcoming record’.
To close the set? America—the perfect choice to end the show. Nearly 19 years after its release, the 2006 classic still holds its timeless power.
Razorlight have set the bar high for the rest of their Planet Nowhere tour with a blend of passionate vocals, energetic stage presence and of course, the dedication from the crowd. The atmosphere was fuelled with excitement, but there was an added layer of meaning: this was drummer Andy Burrows’ hometown show, making the performance feel deeply personal. It wasn’t just a performance – it was a celebration.
You can read our review of Razorlight’s Planet Nowhere album here. Razorlight continue their tour through to May. You can find forthcoming tour dates here.
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Categories: Live Reviews
