ALFIE TEMPLEMAN TAKES RADIOSOUL TO NEW LEVELS AT BIGGEST LONDON SHOW YET

If you attempt to guess Alfie Templeman’s age, you’ll most likely be fooled by his illustrious career.

At just 21, the Bedfordshire-born indie star has travelled the world, played mega festival stages and now arrives at O2 Forum Kentish Town for one of his biggest headline shows. He first played at this iconic art-deco venue five years ago, supporting Sports Team, and at 16, he admittedly ’sh**ted himself’.

To see him return, after releasing his most impressive work to date, is quite an achievement. Templeman’s latest effort Radiosoul blends his bubblegum indie-pop with a fresher wave of 80’s funk, befriending the likes of Nile Rodgers to lend a hand on tracks like Just A Dance. Bursting with colour, tasty bass lines and his signature riffs, the sophomore album cements the young artist as one of indie’s hottest new additions. The album also leans more heavily on his real influences, which has never been more evident than in his live performances.

The headline show received primary support from fellow label-friend Siobhan Winifred (who we recently interviewed) and SOFY, both upcoming stars in their own right.

Winifred conducted a mesmerising set that brought her adoring fanbase to the barrier waving heartfelt signs. The most captivating moment featured a rendition of Arctic Monkeys’ 505, so good it should be released on streaming platforms. Elsewhere, a new track Predator, which was written this week made its way onto the setlist, demonstrating there’s plenty more to come after her debut EP Don’t Do Well Alone.

Next up, indie’s favourite Strawberry Milkshake singer SOFY stormed the stage, zooming through a bubbly collection of tracks new and old. “This is a bucket-list time for us” she exclaims, after hitting festivals over the Summer and supporting the likes of Sea Girls less than a year ago. As always, she was sporting a football jersey and found herself dancing from start to finish. It was also James’ (Keys) final show after five years, and he rightfully got a big cheer from the crowd in a beautiful send-off.

When the stage lights dimmed, and several television screens dotted around the stage began playing looped movie footage, the crowd began to grow curious. It was at this moment the illustrated backdrop became more visible as well, depicting smiley faces, rainbows and Templeman as a quirky character.

The young multi-instrumentalist then dashed onto the stage with his band, launching immediately into hit 3D Feelings. A track like this to inaugurate the evening felt right, ticking every box to get a room of this size moving, particularly with that infectious riff. “This is the last date of our UK tour, let’s go out with a bang” he smiles, grinning ear-to-ear.

Whizzing through most tracks, with little pausing, the best moments came when the band indulged in extended instrumental sections, showing off their musical influences. These were prominent during Thought You Were Mine, which received unbelievable attention to detail during the transitions in and out of this track, the same treatment was then applied to the newer tune Just A Dance. Alongside this, the array of set pieces like the television screens and backdrop made the show feel very unique to the artist and is beginning to set him apart from his peers.

The fun of Alfie’s shows has always been around one universal appeal: Electrifying euphoria, guaranteed. His bouncy stage presence is so positive, you’d have to do a lot to wipe the smile from his face. For an artist who took a break from touring, after relentless show-after-show schedules, he feels on top form and ready to conquer much bigger venues.

As tight as it appeared to be, you’ll know he never takes himself too seriously. Midway through, the group began playing around with popular ringtones and replicating the McDonald’s ordering beep on their guitars. You won’t see that anywhere else. During the track Beckham, the crowd shouted their home London boroughs – which was a fun touch.

You’ll also always find a curveball at his shows, once playing a cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Tonight, Templeman and his band announced “We want to play you a song that’s weird, and may send you to sleep” before diving into Vultures and embracing a powerful guitar solo, flexing his love of original rock bands The Beatles or The Rolling Stones.

Other highlights from the evening included his brand new track Dirty Laundry, fan-favourite Movies (you see the television reference now?) and a huge encore track Happiness In Liquid Form. After personally thanking everyone who helped put this show (and tour) together, Templeman officially ended the evening on Don’t Go Wasting Time celebrating the fifth anniversary of an EP that changed his world.

After discovering Alfie Templeman at just 16 years old back in 2019, it was always going to be an explosive rise. He’s seen the highs and lows of touring, and come out stronger than ever, owning his live shows like never before. It would be a mistake to say this is the best we’ve seen – because we know much bigger things are always right around the corner. For now, it was the best Monday night of his life. Next stop – O2 Brixton Academy.

Setlist:

1. 3D Feelings
2. Obvious Guy
3. Film Scene Daydream
4. Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody
5. Beckham
6. Hello Lonely
7. Just A Dance
8. Things I Thought Were Mine
9. Eyes Wide Shut
10. Wait, I Lied
11. Vultures
12. Movies
13. Circles
14. Don’t Go Wasting Time
15. Happiness In Liquid Form

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