Gig: Overhead, The Albatross @ The Lexington, London
Overhead, The Albatross by Jez Pennington
On 25 September for the first time in their career, Overhead, The Albatross headlined a show outside of their native Ireland, and London’s The Lexington was the chosen venue for this momentous occasion. Presented by Portals, the night promised an immersive journey through post-rock, blending familiar atmospheres with bold, new sounds. Fans of the Dublin-based quartet turned out in force, packing the room from early on to experience their signature mix of intricate melodies, explosive crescendos, and experimental electronics. It was a night that not only celebrated their return after a long hiatus but also hinted at exciting things to come, with their sophomore album on the horizon.
The evening featured two support acts, Million Moons and Codices, who both set the tone with their own takes on the instrumental rock genre. From cinematic soundscapes to math-rock intricacies, the supports brought energy and anticipation to the packed venue. By the time Overhead, The Albatross took to the stage, the room was buzzing with excitement, ready for what would become an unforgettable headline performance.
Million Moons
Opening the night, cinematic post-rockers Million Moons brought a surprising energy to the stage, engaging the early crowd with their intricate and atmospheric sound. Their set, full of swelling crescendos and dynamic builds, set the tone for an evening that would be heavy on emotion and intensity. For a support act, Million Moons drew a significant crowd, proving their place as a must-watch in the post-rock scene.
Codices
London’s own Codices, led by Portals’ Asher and Sam, followed up with a set that blended math-rock and post-rock elements, featuring intricate polyrhythms and soaring melodies. After opening with two familiar tracks, the band introduced a range of new material from their upcoming second album. Their final track saw the crowd erupt into a massive chant, adding a participatory vibe to their already bold and dynamic sound. Codices managed to keep the room busy and buzzing, with their new material showing exciting growth.
Overhead, The Albatross
Taking to the stage to a warm reception, Overhead, The Albatross immediately captivated the room with their opening track, "L'appel du Vide." Their set was a perfect balance of old and new material, with the band seamlessly integrating dance electronics, vocoder vocals, and even spoken word into their post-rock foundations. Their new singles, "Your Last Breath" and "This Is Like Love," both stood out as highlights, with the latter bringing a bold, danceable energy to the night, just hours after its release.
Visually, the band enhanced their performance with atmospheric projections and beams of light, creating an immersive experience that drew the audience in. Bassist Stevie Darragh’s high-energy stage presence stood out, especially when he bounced into the crowd, adding a sense of intimacy to the show. The vibe in the room was palpable, with fans not just listening but fully engaging with the performance.
The emotional climax of the set came with a heartfelt tribute to a friend the band had lost, ending with a full-band chant that saw the entire crowd joining in. The night felt like both a celebration and a new beginning for Overhead, The Albatross, with their upcoming album set to release in November, marking the next chapter in their musical journey.
