Mystery Jets Live

I have never been as excited as I was before attending the Mystery Jets show in Brixton on Friday evening.

The venue was the Academy, and following the release to critical acclaim of their fourth studio album, Radlands, it appeared that he venue was the perfect place to showcase their brimming talent.

Now, the Mystery Jets have played everywhere, from Churches to in-stores to festivals. They know their audience. The scene was set to blast away the fans. Opening with Something Purer from the new album, you knew that they had faith in their material.

Tracks like Sister Everitt and Greatest Hits were belted out, and seemed to be really well received by the adorning crowd. For long term fans, seeing a band which has played intimate venues in the past, this was a step up to the big time arena.

Delving into the back catalogue, they knew which tracks really hit the spot. From the thrilling second album Twenty One; we were treated to Veiled In Grey, which along with Flash A Hungry Smile may have been my track of the night.

They also hit the spot with the double header of Two Doors Down and Young Love. The crowd were all rolling in aisles and hooting and howling to that double.

The sound was spot on, and I could hear every ounce of the vocal range of guitarist William Rees. Blaine Harrison looked assured on lead vocals, and appeared so cool and composed throughout. Kapil Trivedi's drumming kept the rhythm spot on throughout. Yes, they may miss Kai Fish, and it's true that there was a Mystery Jets shaped hole that I felt was missed on stage.

The introduction and indeed return of Blaine Harrison's Dad to play synthesiser on Behind the Bunhouse as the final track was an incredibly moving moment, as was the encore and finale of Flakes.

To finish with such euphoria was a joyous moment. For any Mystery Jets fan, it would appear that this was their zenith so far. Throughout, I felt like I was in the Mystery Jets. Their fans are like an extra member of the band. They haven't bowed to commercialism as so many bands may have done, but I think that at the same time this is what makes them so appealing. My excitement was justified; they were everything I wanted them to be.