‘A TRIUMPHANT DISPLAY OF ROCK MUSIC AT ITS MOST PRIMAL’ | CAGE THE ELEPHANT GO WILD AT O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY

LIVE REVIEW | CAGE THE ELEPHANT | O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON 17th February 2025 by Miles Humphries

Cage the Elephant delivered a powerhouse performance at the O2 Brixton Academy on February 17, 2025, marking the first of their two sold-out shows at the iconic London venue. The night was a whirlwind of raw energy, vibrant visuals, and unforgettable moments, cementing their reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in modern rock.

The evening kicked off with an impressive set from Girl Tones, a rising indie-rock duo whose unique blend of punchy riffs and melodic hooks captivated the early crowd. Taking the stage at 7:30 PM, they immediately brought an infectious energy, opening with last year’s breakout track, ‘Again’. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Girl Tones commanded the stage with the poise of seasoned performers, earning loud cheers and applause from an audience eager for more.

Girl Tones

Sunflower Bean

Next up was Sunflower Bean, the seasoned New York trio known for their fusion of dream-pop and classic rock influences. Their set began at 8:20 PM with the hypnotic track ‘I Was a Fool‘, which immediately pulled the crowd into a sonic trance. Bassist and vocalist Julia Cumming exuded effortless cool, her ethereal voice weaving through the band’s lush instrumentals. Guitarist Nick Kivlen unleashed shimmering solos that soared above the rhythmic foundation laid down by drummer Olive Faber. Sunflower Bean’s setlist was a rollercoaster of moods, ranging from the jangly indie-pop vibes of ‘Come for Me’ to the driving, punk-infused fury of ‘Crisis Fest’. Their performance left the crowd buzzing, perfectly priming them for the chaos that was about to unfold.

Sunflower Bean (Miles Humphries/Northern Exposure)
Sunflower Bean (Miles Humphries/Northern Exposure)
Sunflower Bean (Miles Humphries/Northern Exposure)
Sunflower Bean (Miles Humphries/Northern Exposure)

Cage The Elephant

By 9:20 PM, the anticipation in the room was palpable as the lights dimmed and a kaleidoscope of colours swept across the stage. Cage the Elephant erupted into their set with a thunderous rendition of ‘Broken Boy’, immediately igniting the venue into a frenzy. The band’s frontman, Matt Shultz, was a whirlwind of uncontainable energy, bounding across the stage and engaging the crowd with his signature blend of charisma and unpredictability. Dressed in a striking, glittering suit, Shultz blurred the line between performer and spectacle, often jumping into the pit to sing directly with the fans.

The visuals were equally enthralling, with a dazzling array of lasers cutting through the smoke-filled air, bathing the crowd in an ethereal glow. Each song was accompanied by a distinct lighting sequence, enhancing the emotional punch of the performance. During ‘Social Cues’, the stage was flooded with deep reds and blues, mirroring the song’s brooding tension, while ‘Cold Cold Cold’ saw a chaotic explosion of strobing lights that perfectly matched its frantic tempo.

The setlist was a well-curated mix of the band’s greatest hits and newer material, ensuring something for every fan. Highlights included a raucous singalong during ‘Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked’, with the entire venue echoing the song’s iconic lyrics. Midway through the show, Brad Shultz, the band’s guitarist and Matt’s brother, delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments by launching himself into the crowd while shredding through a blistering solo. His fearless stage dive and subsequent crowd-surfing only added to the night’s raw intensity.

As the final notes rang out and the band exited the stage, the audience was left breathless, their ears ringing and hearts pounding. The first of Cage the Elephant’s two sold-out nights at Brixton was more than a concert; it was a sensory onslaught, a communal catharsis, and a triumphant display of rock music at its most primal and exhilarating.

Fans lucky enough to be heading along to the remainder of their European tour dates can undoubtedly expect another night of unforgettable performances. With Girl Tones and Sunflower Bean once again setting the stage and Cage the Elephant poised to unleash their signature brand of chaos, Europe will undoubtedly witness more landmark nights of live music.