Lime Cordiale Headline O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

LIVE REVIEW | LIME CORDIALE – SHEPHERDS BUSH, LONDON 02/09/24 by Charlie Wright

You don’t know what to expect when a band crosses the channel from afar. Landing on the shores of the UK, conquering a challenging and saturated music scene can be difficult. For Lime Cordiale, this isn’t their first rodeo. They also aren’t new to the scene. In fact, over three records, they’ve made a significant dent in UK indie-pop and globally. Penning stape cult-favourites Robbery, Temper Temper and Money, Lime Cordiale are now much loved.

Formed in 2009, the pop-outfit consists of brothers Oli and Louis and additional members James Jennings, Nikos Haropoulos-Smallman and Jack Howe. The last time they touched down in London, they played a golden set at O2 Forum Kentish Town. Now, a year later, they’re headlining Shepherds Bush Empire in support of their new album Enough Of The Sweet Talk.

While Lime Cordiale’s live presence warrants stages much larger than this, Shepherds Bush Empire provides a moderately intimate experience while implying bigger things to come. The roaring crowd from beginning to end, filled every silence, showing the demand for their blissful indie-pop is very much there.

Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)

It was abundantly clear this was a special evening for the indie outfit, with a palpable sense of gratitude and optimism in the air. The setlist was expanded to mark the occasion, including 21 songs, and their playful side ran wild. At one point, the brothers were pitted into a video game-style brawl, only one appearing triumphant. Their Guitar Tech hopped on stage, asking the crowd to pick sides.

From kazoos to dancing, the Australian duo barely paused to catch a breath. The beaming energy coming from the stage was infectious. It’d be an understatement to say we felt happy to be there ourselves, watching thousands have the best Monday night of their lives.

Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
Lime Cordiale (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)

Highlights from the evening included a crowd rendition of No Plans To Make Plans, when the mic was turned towards the auditorium and one of our favourites Money. We were also blown away by the live versions of newer tracks, like Facts Of Life and Pedestal, both of which had a hypnotic sound on stage.

That being said, their performance was unbelievably tight throughout. Oftentimes with larger setlists, there are moments where the show tails off momentum-wise, but the wheels roll from start to finish.

There’s no better way to round off the UK leg of a tour than in the capital of new music. Lime Cordiale may be from the other side of the world, but their music travels further than they could imagine.