Live Report: Lana Del Rey – Brixton Academy, London

As reviewed by Nothing But Thieves' Conor Mason...

Last night Lana Del Rey touched down in London for a very special show.

Announced just a few days ago, fans snapped up each and every ticket for her Brixton Academy date, a venue that is – by her standards – relatively intimate.

With new album 'Lust For Life' impacting on the charts, Lana Del Rey had every reason to celebrate.

Yet the performance itself was remarkably subtle, with the singer eschewing fanciful stage props for something rather more simple.

Nothing But Thieves vocalist Conor Mason made his way to South London unsure of what to expect, but he left having witnessed one of 2017's most special pop moments.

– – –

– – –

I didn't really know what to expect walking into Brixton Academy to see Lana Del Rey.

I mean, I had my presumptions and I was probably biased towards negativity, only because I love the records but I didn't know how it would translate live… would it be boring? Would it be one paced?

This is just me being honest. My girlfriend is a huge fan so going to see Lana with someone who knows every word is a bonus.

The support act comes on, Dermot Kennedy who I'd never heard of before. He was shy and honest, it was totally endearing, he had this voice that shook the whole room, like he'd swallowed a megaphone and some knives in his sleep. I was genuinely blown away.

The crowd were simmering, polite and appreciative but really just waiting for the main act. Lana steps out and floats across the stage to a thunder and lightning-esque rapturous applause, mainly because the lights of camera phones were blinding the theatre.

The crowd was in the palm of her hand from the get-go. She starts with 'Cruel World' and every second sounds like the record – she's brilliant, flawless and there's an effortless stage presence.

Her voice – enigmatic and angelic – drifts across the room, weaving in and out of the crowd, making you feel as if you're sitting in a warm bath. Such a different vibe to any other concert I'd ever witnessed.

It was just the way I'd wanted to imagine a Lana Del Ray concert, not over-bearing with drama and lights and stage antics, just cool and subtle. She's a singer and I appreciate that; she wants you to know that too, so she's not diving about the place and getting in and out of eight costume changes.

She wants you to stand and listen to what she has to sing about. The show is completely and utterly captivating.

– – –

– – –

Lana Del Rey's new album 'Lust For Life' is out now.

Catch Nothing But Thieves at the following shows:

November
5 Newcastle 02 Academy
7 Glasgow 02 Academy
8 Manchester Albert Hall
9 Sheffield 02 Academy
10 Nottingham Rock City
11 Liverpool 02 Academy
13 Bristol 02 Academy
14 Norwich UEA
15 Southampton 02 Guildhall
17 London Roundhouse
18 London Roundhouse

Buy Clash Magazine

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.