Following the release of their latest album ‘You Are Who You Hang Out With’, The Front Bottoms finally returned to the UK for their Champagne Jam, hosted in London for the first time ever.
Kicking off the evening were local band Uzumaki and Nottingham based trio G!RLBAND. One of my favourite things about watching these bands is seeing how genuinely happy they all were to be there, it really reflected in their performances. Their excitement was perfectly mirrored by the crowd; everyone around me was loving their sets, and it was apparent that both groups successfully won over a slew of new admirers.
G!RLBAND at The Front Bottoms Champagne Jam @ The O2 Forum Kentish Town. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Undoubtedly a massive favourite among the crowd at the show, Wilbur Soot bravely graced the stage for his acoustic set, powering through despite feeling unwell and on the verge of cancelling. He delivered fan favourites such as ‘Your Sister Was Right’ and ‘Jubilee Line’, really proving just how loud the crowd could sing back. It was a short set due to illness, but the time he spent on stage clearly meant everything to those there for him.
Wilbur Soot at The Front Bottoms Champagne Jam @ The O2 Forum Kentish Town. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Up next was Vundabar, the main support for the entire tour, their performance was electrifying and captivating. From the moment they hit the stage, the band captivated the audience with their infectious enthusiasm and tight, dynamic sound.
Vundabar at The Front Bottoms Champagne Jam @ The O2 Forum Kentish Town. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Finally, The Front Bottoms took the stage, and in true Champagne Jam style, a small bar awaited them at the back of the stage. Their grand entrance involved popping some bottles, setting the tone for the evening. Starting off their set with ‘Flashlight,’ it became instantly clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
We were treated to a remarkable two-hour performance filled with fan favourites such as ‘Jim Bogart’, ‘Joanie’, ‘Legit Tattoo Gun’, and ‘Be Nice To Me’ There wasn’t a single flaw in the setlist or the performance itself. It was one of those gigs that fly by so quickly, leaving you yearning to relive it the next day – and fortunately, I had the chance as they played at the Electric Ballroom the following day with a different set of songs. Throughout their entire tour, each night boasted a distinct setlist, heightening excitement and anticipation. The unpredictability, fuelled by potential crowd requests, added an extra layer of thrill as you never knew which song would come next.
The Front Bottoms Champagne Jam @ The O2 Forum Kentish Town. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
As the main set concluded, anticipation filled the venue, only to explode into sheer excitement when the band returned for the encore. The encore was a spectacle, featuring ‘Wolfman‘ and the crowd-favourite ‘Twin Sized Mattress.‘ White confetti filled the air, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that perfectly capped off an exhilarating night of music. The Front Bottoms ability to connect with their audience and deliver an electrifying performance ensured an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Words & Photos – Kayleigh Francis