REVIEW: The View, Dexters and Easy Life @ Liverpool O2 Academy

The View, a four piece band hailing from Dundee, Scotland were always going to attract an energetic crowd for a night of fun and lively music, and the Liverpool O2 Academy was no exception.

As soon as this headline act stepped on the small stage, the crowd was already feeling the excitement, with loud chants of, “The View is on fire!” as the band confidently commanded the stage.

The band’s success is apparent with the number of fans who had shown up, many of who have already seen them play live multiple times over the last few years on their rise to success. The room was packed out with the audience pushing forwards to get the best spot.

The setlist comprised of songs old and new, including ‘Same Jeans’, which made a fabulous mixture that got the crowd excited, as the band had them right where they wanted them, jumping energetically.

At one point, there was a commotion with a drunk gig goer, who had to be escorted out by security via the stage. This did not phase the band at all, who took it in their stride and carried on as if nothing had happened, ever the professionals.

For an intimate show with a small stage, they commanded it, playing a varied set which lasted just over an hour, meaning the fans definitely got their money’s worth.

They ended their set with the ever popular song ‘Superstar Tradesman’, which prompted the crowd to sing the song loudly together before Kyle launched into the song with such gusto everyone jumped around to the tune.

There can be no complaints at all about this gig, the vocals, drums, guitar and bass were all connected strongly together. They merged together with such ease and passion that they played flawlessly.

Easy Life was the first support act of the night. As they bounded on stage, their incredible energy was completely obvious from the start. Their high energy tunes had some old school elements and the guitar rhythms were spot on. From the moment they unleashed their sound on the audience, everyone was gripped, relieved the supporting act was a good one.

The music itself was gripping and the rhythms were strong. At one point the bass player showed off his multiple talents with a stint on the saxophone, which was an interesting addition to their repertoire, and actually worked unbelievably well.

Stage presence is something these guys did incredibly well. Their only problem is that their energy was almost too much for such a small space, at one point I feared the vocalist was about to fall off the stage and hurt himself. I think they are most definitely a band suited to a huge stage in front of a massive crowd.

Offstage, the band interacted with the audience, handing out t-shirts and business cards out to the crowd, which pleased me as it meant I could look them up on Twitter and Facebook and learn more about them, and keep up to date with their next tour.

Dexters were the second support act of the night. They took in the small venue and created an upbeat atmosphere that was felt throughout the room. Following on from a terrific first act they came out with loads of energy and took over the small stage with their presence. The air of confidence in their talent was obvious from the moment they emerged.

The five piece band, worked well together, blending together as one. They interacted well together on stage which translated well with the crowd. Vocalist Tom Rowlett in particular looked pleased with the crowd in front of him as he sang his heart out.

The audience was absorbed, clearly enjoying how well the band played to the crowd, making them more excited to see the headline act. This interaction went down well with the excitable and often rowdy audience, who were eager to see the headliners, yet still completely absorbed by the support.

‘Cloudfest’ was their particularly memorable song, sang with such conviction, enough to temporarily make me forget about the heaving crowd crushing me against the railings and just absorbed me with the music. This is no mean feat with any band, but Dexters pulled it off well.

Check out Dexters live, not just for the music but for the good vibes the band translates to their audience. They will leave you wanting to hear more. If you don’t manage to catch them live this time around, listen to their debut album ‘Shimmer Gold’.

Overall, The View played an incredible set, and made sure everyone left thoroughly enjoying the gig having had an amazing night, with support acts that are worthy of the same feat. I would certainly be pleased to see them all live once again.