Sticky Fingers at The O2 Kentish Town Forum, London

As part of their exclusive nine-date world tour, Australian reggae/indie-rock band Sticky Fingers played two sold-out dates at O2 Kentish Town in London. Their comeback performance has been a highly-anticipated event in the alternative-indie rock scene having taken an indefinite hiatus in late 2016 due to the members of the band facing personal obstacles, which they eventually overcame. Fast-forward to the 2018 and the release of their teaser single, “Kick On”, shows a different side to the band, which is an indication that a fresh new album is currently in the works and it is expected to come out later this year.

Kicking off their eagerly-awaited performance, the talented Aussie band opened with an atmospheric version of “Land of Pleasure”, which is just the perfect song choice to remind the audience what they have been missing since the release of their last album ‘Westway (The Glitter & the Slums)’ in 2016. This was followed by a cheerful rendition of one of their most feel-good vibey tracks in the form of “Gold Snafu”; a personal favourite of mine which the band was able to perform just as good and joyful as the studio version. Having said that, the live version was accompanied by colourful and vibrant lighting/production and needlessly to say that it enhanced the overall experience.

The energy was flowing throughout the room as the band carried on performing their best hits such as the all-time fan favourite Sticky Fingers track, “How to Fly”. The room was filled with swampy reggae feels whilst the crowd jammed to the crispy guitar riffs inevitably starting a few friendly mosh pits. An unconventional fusion of reggae and indie rock is certainly something the band have taken as their own. This became their signature sound making them very distinguishable from most indie-rock bands we hear on mainstream radio.

Despite having released three albums with assorted instrumentation and melodic techniques, the five-piece band somehow managed to incorporate the varied sounds of their three studio albums into a set which lasted for over an hour and a half. Something that can be very challenging and difficult to do. This undoubtedly shows their ability as professional musicians that it is somehow possible to be versatile and keep their niche at the same time without compromising their originality and creativity.

Like any other show, what goes up must definitely come down so to finish this high-energy set, the band performed their melancholic track “Lazerhead” with heartfelt emotions as if you can almost feel the excitement in the air knowing that they are back on stage doing what they’ve always loved doing; playing to their supportive fans after years of reflection and consideration of which path the band will take as part of their musical journey. By all accounts, this Aussie band definitely know how to deliver a performance despite taking some time off stage and their new upcoming album is definitely one to watch out for.

GUEST WRITTEN BY RYAN TOMAS