Music
Years & Years
O2 Academy, Glasgow
Jill Castle
Three stars
IT HAS been a meteoric rise to fame for Years & Years. The London three-piece have gone from relative unknowns to the darlings of UK pop in just a few years, receiving critical praise and awards before their debut album, Communion, was even released.
Their rise to the pantheon of pop is perfectly personified by their latest Glasgow show. Less than six months ago the group were performing at the city's O2 ABC but now they've graduated to not one but two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy. And it is not just the venue that' has changed, the entire production has had a revamp. Gone are the modest stage sets, replaced by elaborate light shows and backing singers.
Kicking off proceedings with the pounding, synth driven Foundation, the trio were met with a heroes welcome. The band's honest brand of electro synth-pop has been the linchpin of their success and tracks like Worship, Border and Ties shone in a live setting.
Singer Olly Alexander was clearly in his element as he commanded the stage and the claim that Glasgow is one of his favourite cities to play went down a treat with fans. Shine and Real proved to be highlights, while Hot Bling, Dark Horse and Brandy and Monica's R&B classic The Boy is Mine were thrown in for good measure.
At times though, it felt as if the band’s success had forced them to play a venue they were not quite ready for, with See Me Now and Without receiving a more muted response. Saving the best till last, the trio closed with an energetic performance of Desire and dancefloor filler King, and there's little doubt Years & Years will be headlining the SSE Hydro on their next Glasgow visit.
Olly Alexander on his battle with depression and breaking boundaries with Years & Years
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