Live
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Brixton Academy
16 February 2025 (gig)
19 February 2025
It’s a testament to Anton Newcombe and the Brian Jonestown Massacre that after 20 albums, 5 compilations, 5 live albums, 14 EPs, and 22 singles (and almost as many former members) that the collective are still able to play to an almost sold-out Brixton Academy, 35 years after their formation. Delivering a sprawling, hypnotic performance that reaffirmed their place as one of psych’s most captivating live acts, they took the Sunday night crowd on a transcendent journey through their vast catalogue.
Opening with ‘Maybe Make It Right’, they immediately immersed the audience in their signature swirling guitars and hypnotic rhythms. From there, they launched into ‘Vacuum Boots’ and ‘That Girl Suicide’, a one-two punch of early material that set a nostalgic tone for the evening. The sonic landscapes grew in stature with ‘Do Rainbows Have Ends’ and ‘#1 Lucky Kitty’ both showcasing the band’s ability to balance dreamy melodies with the American’s group’s undercurrent of restless energy.
Newcombe, ever the enigmatic frontman, was in fine form, his vocals exuding both intensity and effortless cool, with his well-oiled machine of a band playing with an effortless synergy, each member contributing to the intricate layers of sound that filled the reopened venue.
‘When Jokers Attack’ and ‘Anemone’ were undeniable highlights and came together halfway through as a solid one-two punch that really got the Sunday crowd going, the latter sending waves of euphoria. Joel Gion meanwhile, his presence as iconic as the songs themselves, was wielding his tambourine as the momentum built through to Nevertheless and Pish, a more recent track that has become one of the band’s best.
Joakim Åhlund, longtime collaborator and Swedish musician, then joined the band onstage for ‘Vad Hände Med Dem?’ before the closing stretch featured ‘Forgotten Graves’ and ‘A Word’, before ‘Super-Sonic’ ended the night on an exhilarating high. The final chords echoed through South London as the band left the stage to thunderous applause.
The Brian Jonestown’s ability to create an immersive live experience remains unparalleled and this Brixton gig was a masterclass in psychedelia, intensity, and raw musical craftsmanship.
Opening with ‘Maybe Make It Right’, they immediately immersed the audience in their signature swirling guitars and hypnotic rhythms. From there, they launched into ‘Vacuum Boots’ and ‘That Girl Suicide’, a one-two punch of early material that set a nostalgic tone for the evening. The sonic landscapes grew in stature with ‘Do Rainbows Have Ends’ and ‘#1 Lucky Kitty’ both showcasing the band’s ability to balance dreamy melodies with the American’s group’s undercurrent of restless energy.
‘When Jokers Attack’ and ‘Anemone’ were undeniable highlights and came together halfway through as a solid one-two punch that really got the Sunday crowd going, the latter sending waves of euphoria. Joel Gion meanwhile, his presence as iconic as the songs themselves, was wielding his tambourine as the momentum built through to Nevertheless and Pish, a more recent track that has become one of the band’s best.
Joakim Åhlund, longtime collaborator and Swedish musician, then joined the band onstage for ‘Vad Hände Med Dem?’ before the closing stretch featured ‘Forgotten Graves’ and ‘A Word’, before ‘Super-Sonic’ ended the night on an exhilarating high. The final chords echoed through South London as the band left the stage to thunderous applause.
