BENSON BOONE // O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY, LONDON
Beautiful things from the rising star
★★★★★ (5/5)
Benson Boone’s meteoric rise embodies the modern reality of the music business. Gaining a vast fanbase from TikTok, his distinctive vocals and melodies have netted a trophy case of accolades including billions of streams, film soundtracks and a top 5 Billboard 200 single.
Having already supported superstars like Taylor Swift, Boone has grown as a live act and filled venues as he has undertaken a successful world tour. On this tour, he stopped off at the Brixton Academy in London for two capacity shows playing to thousands of eager fans.
Thankfully the transition from online star to live performance has been smooth, as Boone and his band proved capable of crafting a set which delivered his particular brand of soulful pop-rock across hits and fan favourites.
An atmospheric opening came from the aptly titled track “Intro”. Immediately showcasing Boone’s powerful soaring vocals before barrelling into the preppy soft rock of “Be Someone”. The energy was immediate, with Boone exuding a confident stage presence as he strutted the stage in a deep red jumpsuit.
The dynamite opening is furthered by the synth-driven passion of “Coffee Cake”, a display not only of Boone’s musical talents but also of the dense lyrical content and storytelling found in his catalogue.
Throughout the night, the enthusiasm for each song was palpable, showing that the fanbase has a deep love for the music which runs deeper than just the chart-topping mega hits. Alongside the high-octane tracks of the night, a number of slower ballads showcased the sombre side of Boone’s catalogue.
“Slow it Down” displayed the airy falsetto which accompanied the throaty rasp of the night’s vocals. Starting as a sparse piano ballad before reaching a rocky crescendo the song captivated those in attendance. An exploration of loss on “In The Stars” saw many in the audience shedding tears as Boone delivered a heart-rending song inspired by the loss of his great-grandmother. A treat from this melancholic section was a live debut of “Death Wish Love”, a song from the Twisters soundtrack. Again the vocal prowess is undeniable, showing why Boone shines so brightly among his peers.
The night, of course, ended on the gargantuan “Beautiful Things”. An ode to keeping hold of love, on release the song took over every music media. From TikTok to the charts, the song’s impact was undeniable and cemented the track as a modern rock classic. That said prestige is felt in the intensity with which the audience sings the song back to Boone, who still seems in awe of the response the song receives.
As the final notes dissipate into the rafters, a heady afterglow can be felt by the elated audience. The night had shown the early stages of a future superstar, one who is poised to continue his rise through a strong discography of hits and stellar live shows.