Blossoms review – funky indie-pop singalongs (and a 6ft gorilla) send the crowd wild

The atmosphere at O2 City Hall in Newcastle is buzzing with Blossomsmania, as the Stockport quintet captivates an eager crowd at what feels like an indie pop version of Last Night of the Proms.

In a career that started over a decade ago in a scaffold yard belonging to their bassist’s grandfather, the band has transformed from their early indie psychedelic style into playful, keyboard-driven pop. With four No. 1 albums under their belt, they’ve carved a niche somewhere between the raw energy of early Arctic Monkeys and the catchy vibes of a pop-infused New Order. Their loyal fanbase is out in full force tonight, clutching two-pint glasses of lager, ready for a lively sing-along.

From the very first notes of “Your Girlfriend,” the audience is electric, belting out every lyric, and they even join in during the instrumental breaks of “I Can’t Stand It.” Vocalist Tom Ogden cleverly skips the first verse of “The Keeper,” knowing the crowd will take over. The vibe in the venue is reminiscent of a cheerful night out, with the musicians occasionally fading into the background, echoing the sounds of a pub filled with patrons singing along to their favorite tracks.

Donning a white flowing scarf that brings to mind the disco era of the Bee Gees, Ogden is unreserved in his encouragement of the crowd, calling for them to “scream!” and splitting them into sections to amplify their cheers. You can tell which songs are lesser-known—like “Perfect Me” or “Care For”—as the energy shifts and the audience quiets, allowing the band’s sound to shine through.

Blossoms have honed their craft by touring medium-sized venues, and it seems they’re on the brink of taking their performance to the next level. There’s potential for a funkier edge, especially with Charlie Salt’s agile bass lines, reminiscent of Bernard Edwards from Chic. The track “I Like Your Look” feels like a reincarnation of Chic’s “I Want Your Love,” tailored for an indie disco audience.

While their songs may lack deep emotional weight or profound messages, they certainly know how to create infectious melodies. Their latest single, “Gary,” humorously revolves around the true story of a stolen fibreglass gorilla, which makes a scaled-down six-foot appearance on stage, much to the crowd’s delight. With hits like “There’s a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)” and “Charlemagne,” the audience erupts into the biggest sing-alongs of the night.

The night continues at O2 Academy in Leeds, as the band gears up for their next stop on tour.