London Grammar at The Phoenix – April 7, 2014

Photographs by Matt Klopot

New indie stars London Grammar have been quietly rising to the top. Their debut platinum album, If You Wait, creates an early 90’s chilled out vibe which is almost reminiscent of an ambient MS MR and Florence + the Machine (Ceremonials era). Last night, this ordinary British trio shows Toronto why they have the potential to acquire mainstream stardom.

Hannah Reid starts deathly slow as she opens the show with Hey Now. However, as she begins to pick up the pace and the guitar refrain arrives, the magic begins. Reid’s somber yet beautiful voice is so mesmerizing and similar to Florence Welch.  And the beats Dominic ‘Dot’ Major and Dan Rothman performed stripped the crowd down to its core.  Whether was the lively bongos for Darling, Are You Gonna Leave Me or crafty guitar playing for Stay Awake; the good vibes radiated everyone into a contagious groove.

Their cover of Kavinsky’s Nightcall proved to be a beautifully dark written piece, which goes well with the band’s sound, and Strong displayed Reid’s vocals perfectly.  It was clear this trio set the bar high and continued to rise throughout their set. They finished with Metal and Dust, which is a hint that London Grammar might be on the horizon of success.

Thanks to Live Nation for media access.