Arriving just after six, there were already half a dozen people in the queue. By 6.30, there was a significant queue full of young people, many of whom were expressing their love for the game by cosplaying the main character. After seeing the audience age with me, seeing an influx of young faces is frankly brilliant to see. Many showing their nervous excitement.

Opening the evening were White Magic for Lovers, Tom White’s band with his husband Alfie, who has never been in a band before and playing some of his first ever gigs. Tom is such a talented musician and the new music is full of texture. A fine way to start the evening.

Whitelands, were warmly received at Sea Power’s Krankenhaus festival. Their shoegaze, a perfect accompaniment to tonight’s Sea Power set.

Sea Power had advertised this tour as a soundtrack tour. With several soundtracks under their belt, often using music inspired by songs on their albums, this was going to be a very different set list. I was concerned that some of the new audience might not be familiar with their albums and be disappointed when album versions of incidental music from Disco Elysium was played. But listening to their discussions in the queue, many knew the albums and even the words of the songs.

The set list was devoid of most of my favourites. All the loud moshy tracks were missing. I had assumed the set list would feature some of the fan favourites, even if they were just as an encore. However, Sea Power continue to surprise me. The set list was all texture, no noise. It was a beautiful and at times a mesmerising set. Each time a Disco related track was played, the significant numbers of youngsters in the audience cheered, I think to the bemusement of long time fans. There felt a genuine warmth between the two audiences. I found it very heartwarming.

Surprising, I was knocked out by tonight. The set list was both a surprise and a triumph. Stripped of the bombast, it showed what great song writers they are. So many beautiful textures. So many beautiful moments. It was so great to see a new audience find Sea Power and this giving Sea Power the freedom to chuck away the fan faves and play a such a beautiful show.

Set List

• True Adventures
• Smallest Church
• The Land Beyond
• Come Wander Want To Be Free
• Praise for Whatever
• Fire Escape
• Childhood Memories
• Fear Eats The Soul
• Lakeland Echo
• Bear
• North Hanging Rock
• St Spirit of St Louis / No Lucifer
• Once More Now  
• Cleaning Out The Rooms
• The Great Skua

Support was from Jonathan Hultén.

Set list

• Bålfærd
• Like Humans
• Mothlike
• My Blood Is Gold
• Spine
• Valkyriernes sang
• Dybt i skoven
• The Serpent
• Crown
• Blazing Sky
• Devil in the Detail
• House Carpenter
• Bonden og kragen
• Leaves of Yggdrasil
• Ulvinde
• Death of Days

While the set list was pretty much the same, it felt fresh because the new crowd were more familiar with the game music and songs that maybe would be a chance to take breath, were the songs the audience were most up for. Like the previous two nights, Atom was monumental with air raid sirens and Martin crowd surfing. What a first gig to experience. I hope we were welcoming and they come to future gigs.

Support tonight was from Butch Kassidy, a highlight from last year’s Great Escape. They played a fantastic dark thundering set. I really hope they are invited to Sea Power’s summer festival.

Set list

All in It
Lights Out for Darker Skies
No Lucifer
Waving Flags
Canvey Island
Down on the Ground
A Trip Out
The Great Skua
Atom
No Need to Cry
Open the Door

Encore:

Cleaning Out the Rooms
Transmitter
Two Fingers
Fire Escape in the Sea
Remember Me
Carrion / All in It

I’ve never really been a fan of Islington. But with so many regulars in attendance, there was a really good atmosphere and like in Birmingham, the band on form and I found the venue managed to walk the line between being intimate and also feeling a big gig. I think I preferred two nights here, than Sea Power using a bigger venue like Shepherds Bush Empire.

All in It
Lights Out for Darker Skies
No Lucifer
Waving Flags
Canvey Island
Down on the Ground
A Trip Out
The Great Skua
Atom
No Need to Cry
Open the Door

Encore:

Cleaning Out the Rooms
Transmitter
Two Fingers
Fire Escape in the Sea
Remember Me
Carrion / All in It

As it was a charity night, the evening had a mixed bill. Haiku Salut, with their full lamp show, were a surprisingly appropriate support. There was also comedy on the bill, with the excellent Ed Byrne and Rob Deering ably comparing.

Sarah Blasko