Music Editor Emma Gardner reviews Blossoms’ O2 Academy Birmingham show on the 29th November, describing it as ‘enthralling from start to finish’
Stockport’s finest indie band returned to the stage for their ‘Ribbon Around the Bomb’ tour to promote their fourth studio album of the same name, which was released in April. The album demonstrated the band’s developing maturity as both songwriters and musicians, with some clear 70s-infused anthems.
The energy of the venue was filled with over-zealous England fans, having just piled in to watch the England vs Wales match, which replaced a support act. The crowd were hyped up with songs like ‘Sweet Caroline’ and popular Oasis numbers, as the rest of the fans waited patiently for the band to come on stage. Repetition of the classic football favourite sentence “it’s coming home” filled the venue as Blossoms appeared from the mist onto the stage. Lead singer Tom Ogden was immediately a commanding presence – staring intently into the crowd, as bassist Charlie Salt and guitarist Josh Dewhurst joined him, clad in their signature flares and long hairstyles. The band opened the show with “At Most a Kiss” before transitioning into “Honey Sweet”, which was the perfect tune to keep the crowd engaged and animated.
Lead singer Tom Ogden was immediately a commanding presence – staring intently into the crowd, as bassist Charlie Salt and guitarist Josh Dewhurst joined him, clad in their signature flares and long hairstyles
‘Ode to NYC’ was an opportunity for the band to showcase the expertly crafted songs from the new album. Ogden recounted how the song had originally been written for a Netflix show, before producers decided it wasn’t going to be used. This was certainly an apt anecdote, as the atmosphere felt just like stepping into an ethereal film soundtrack. Similarly, ‘Care For’ exhibited the band’s proclivity for designing a divine melange of Bee Gees influenced pop and disco themed anthems. The captivating acoustic number ‘The Sulking Poet’ showcased the band’s diversity as songwriters and got the crowd moving.
The classic hit “Your Girlfriend” sent fans crazy, with many bursting into a strange collective dance routine, probably partly influenced by the overpriced pints on offer at the venue. The stage pyrotechnics certainly added to experience, creating an ethereal atmosphere with various coloured lights that came into play at different intervals during the show. The mist that descended on stage each time that the band appeared encouraged a degree of deification of this fine band, heightened when Ogden appeared through the mist – standing confidently, staring out into the sea of fans.
The ambiance seemed to drop with the introduction of some filler tracks like ‘My Swimming Brain’ and ‘Big Word’, which seemed like mundane filler tracks that somewhat changed the exciteable mood in the room. Undoubtedly, many audience members were waiting patiently for their favourite tracks to be played, unaware of where they would fit into the setlist.
The final song allowed Ogden to showcase a more intimate, stripped back affair, performing an early Blossoms song called ‘My Favourite Room’, to which he poignantly said “I wrote this song when I was completely heartbroken. I don’t feel that way anymore. This song is for anyone who’s going through the same thing.” It was an intimate moment between Ogden and his fans, who sang along to the drone of his acoustic guitar and sentimental lyrics. The atmosphere suddenly calmed, as fans listened intently to the emotional number.
It was an intimate moment between Ogden and his fans, who sang along to the drone of Ogden’s acoustic guitar and sentimental lyrics
This tranquility was soon broken when the band reappeared for the encore, much to the delight of a lively crowd. Throughout the night, there had been calls for the band to play their quintissential track, ‘Charlemagne’ – this request was finally granted for the encore, sending excited fans into a frenzy. ‘There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)’ also made it into the encore, with the first half being sung in acapella style. Blossoms certainly kept spectators enthralled from start to finish.
Blossoms have certainly proved that they are worthy of stadium-filler anthems and emotional sing-alongs, and are no doubt destined for something bigger than O2 venue tours. They have demonstrated once again their ability to emanate an infectious enthusiasm and energy, creating a truly memorable show for fans of all ages.
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