Razorlight - Affleck Palace

...the band were really polished, they gelled together very well to create a tight performance-proving their professionalism and obvious experience

It can’t be denied that Razorlight are one of the pivotal architects of the early 2000s indie scene and on Saturday night Norwich was lucky enough to welcome them back.

The band, formed in London back in 2002 are currently touring the UK with their original line up for the first time in over a decade, ahead of the release of their upcoming album ‘Razorwhat? The Best of Razorlight’. Fans can expect to see lead singer and guitarist Johnny Borrell, with bassist Carl Delemo, guitarist Bjorn Agren and Andy Burrows on the drums, as they continue to tear up the UK- a band well and truly back with a vengeance. It was clear to see that Borrell hasn’t lost any of the audacious attitude which first sparked attention as the band sky-rocketed to fame, his stage presence was just as outlandish as ever, leaving Norwich’s packed LCR lusting for more from the band. Razorlight’s new album will be a compilation of their greatest moments, along with 2 new feature tracks, showing the band’s awesome journey through the world’s indie music landscape.

The LCR have done well once again to pave the way for another incredible band to rock Norwich, as the venue was packed to the rafters with fans awaiting Razorlight’s sold out gig. It's been a while since I've seen the LCR as buzzing as it was on Saturday night and this made for an incredible atmosphere. This wasn’t the band’s first time in Norwich, the indie legends have performed here a couple of times previously as their career was just getting started, but what was clear to see was that the band certainly haven’t outgrown their humbler roots- they were just as comfortable in this venue as any other.

Support for the night, Affleck Palace took to the stage with a certain swagger befitting of an upcoming band who are opening for Razorlight. I wasn’t previously familiar with the band, but it’s safe to say their energy was contagious, definitely a band to watch out for in the future as I'm sure they’ll take the alternative indie scene by storm.

Razorlight's appearance was met with a huge surge of energy from the crowd as they kicked off their set with ‘Rip it up’. Next was ‘In the morning’, which was certainly a crowd pleaser and it was clear to see just by looking around the bustling venue that this band are true performers, who’s primary goal is to ensure everyone is having a good time. Following iconic tunes such as ‘Golden touch’, Borrell announced to the crowd- who hung onto his every word- ‘This song is called ‘Goodnight’, so goodnight Norwich!’ But the band later returned to stage to play the much awaited ‘America’, which simply has to be one of the best songs I’ve ever heard performed live. Perhaps it was the crowd’s reaction, or the passion with which this song was performed, but either way it proved to be an incredible experience.

All in all, the band were really polished, they gelled together very well to create a tight performance-proving their professionalism and obvious experience, it was hugely evident that this wasn’t Razorlight’s first rodeo.