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If you like to spend your gigs swaying, hands in the air, singing along to heartfelt, emotionally charged anthemic songs then Athlete might just might be the ones to float your boat.
Kicking off their 13 date tour, Athlete arrived at Liverpool’s 02 Academy with expectation high from a packed and diverse crowd. Support for the night was provided by Stoney and Alice Gold and the night flew by with joy, emotion and a warm sense of comradeship amongst the crowd.
Kicking off with the acoustic You Got The Style the band soon had their followers revelling and bursting with excitement for what was to come.
The intimate stage allowed for a closer more personal gig, with lead singer Joel Pott charming the crowd with his soulful renditions and warm interactions with a loving audience.
Fans’ favourites Hurricane, Black Swan Song and El Salvador soon followed as the band performed singles from their 10 year, 4 album back catalogue.
It would have been difficult to come along last night and not have been swept up by the cherished, often epic anthem like songs that the boys played with grace and style.
It maybe a disservice to the band that they are too often pigeon holed and genre defined alongside bands such as Keane, Coldplay and Snow Patrol.
There was no self indulgence on display last night, merely rousing, grandiose crowd pleasers that connect with fans like a long lost toy or a tattered old comfort blanket.
Athlete will not disappoint, even if you aren’t familiar with their music, it is definitely a case of ‘oh yeh I know this one’ at their live shows.
You will get caught up in the pure appreciation from the crowd and the next day you may even be sat at your desk, whistling along to You Got The Style and Wires for days after.