SlowThai @ Brixton Academy
Like most things I am incredibly late for this, but a few weekends ago I was awarded the privilege by a close friend to see Slowthai on his “Bet ya a fiver” tour at Brixton academy in London. As the name indicates, the entire tour was £5 per ticket for the general public and the turnout absolutely mirrored that. To our surprise we actually ended up with VIP tickets which included access to the expensive vip bar and allowed us to skip the ever-growing line in front. This also gave me an opportunity to stand roughly 1 foot away from Slowthai himself, which sent me into a gasping fit.
Hak Baker opened for slowthai with an incredible set including his hits “conundrum” and “7AM”, both of which were met with a lot of lovely crowd feedback. Including from myself, who was swaying back and forth on the verge of tears throughout conundrum. Hak supported Slowthai throughout the entire 5 stop UK tour supporting his new song “Lad”.
This is no bullshit, Slowthai puts on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. A stage equipped with everything from wrap around mirrors, flamethrowers and fog machines. Taking into consideration that the tickets cost about the same as a fruity Starbucks drink, you really can’t beat it. Mosh pits, crowd surfing and an all out concert goer draw-in, crown it one of the best shows I’ve been to this year.
There is absolutely something to be said about the fan base as well, incredibly hyphy people with a passion for the music. As you look out on the kids leaving the venue you get sort of a warm hearted feeling, deepened even more by the “I love the EU like a crackhead loves crack” tee shirts they’re all wearing (The fuck Boris ones don’t hurt either).
Slowthai is now in the middle of his US your, it will certainly be interesting to see how he’s taken to by US crowds. The influx of British music into the US over the past few years with artists like Stormzy and Giggs are repairing a broken line between the two countries in terms of entertainment and I for one am excited about it.
Lukas Skye
The jackals Atlas
Thejackalsatlas@gmail.com
I dont own this photo, psychworld has full copyright.