Declan Mckenna
It’s refreshing that Declan always sets out to make a statement with his music, and it resonates so strongly with young people. He has come so far since his debut single released at just 16, and I can only expect bigger things to come.
Declan exploded onto the Indie scene in 2017 with his revered debut album “What Do You Think About the Car?” applauded by critics for his distinctive production, and effortless penmanship juggling important subjects such as mental health and politics. His trajectory has only increased year after year, to where he’s at now having just released his third album “What Happened to the Beach?” and a handful of sold-out concerts under his belt.
The atmosphere in the room even before Declan came out was effervescent. Gaggles of teenagers sporting merch eagerly waited for his entrance, and they were anything but disappointed. Sporting a swanky blazer and glittery guitar, Declan and his band wasted no time diving into the bombastic “Sympathy”.
The stage was flooded with a wash of dazzling blue, green, redand lavender lighting backed by intriguing ice cap like structures. The production evoked the mystifying psychedeliathat runs through Declan’s latest album.
The blaring basslines, squealing guitars, pummeling drums, and delightful synths created an engrossing sonic landscape that immersed the audience into Declan’s weird and wonderful world.
The setlist was balanced with anthemic sing-along moments and lower tempo insightful moments like the enchanting “It’s an Act”.
Whilst Declan didn’t spend much time chatting, he appeared very at home on stage. He strutted around like a 1970’s rocker with spunk and pizzazz. “Isombard” particularly proved itself to be an everlasting indie anthem with everyone bouncing in euphoria. A particular highlight was a phenomenal guitar solo during the boozy sauntering “Breath Of Light” that would do Jimi Hendrix proud.
Following a lengthy 5 song encore including physical edition exclusive “Mystery Planet” for all the deep-cut stans, “British Bombs” closed the night with appropriately explosive energy. It was met with by far the most enigmatic response of the night, and rightfully so with its sensational sonic hurricane of guitars and earworm melodies. It encapsulated everything that makes Declan stand out as something special- music that speaks to people’s soul. It’s refreshing that Declan always sets out to make a statement with his music, and it resonates so strongly with young people. He has come so far since his debut single released at just 16, and I can only expect bigger things to come.
