YUNGBLUD - Gig Review (Bristol 04/10)

 

When a YUNGBLUD tour comes about, it feels more of a monumental event than most other gigs. The 24-year-old, whose moniker is Dom Harrison, has a die hard following known as the Black Hearts Club, and they create pandemonium - the likes of which is reminiscent to fans of the biggest stars in the world. Queues form hours and hours before the concert doors open and fans wait in any conditions to reach the front rows to see the allure of YUNGBLUD in the flesh.

Predominantly known for his captivating persona and nonstop energy, Dom makes it his selling point to ensure fans are having the time of their lives throughout his shows. The O2 Academy in Bristol is where this particular show was held and the 1900 capacity venue was packed to the rafters with fans anticipating every moment of the show.

A black curtain partnered with Dom's voice urging the crowd to give it their all set the mood before the unveiling of YUNGBLUD was met with piercing screams and the opening of punk glazed Strawberry Lipstick. The aura was immediately enticing, with the red boiler suit donned artist bouncing around whilst encouraging fans to match his movements. YUNGBLUD made a statement of intent whilst playing hit song Parents, with adorning fans yelling every word creating unity in the venue. 

YUNGBLUD fluently dipped in and out of playing tracks from his debut album 21st Century Liability. Crowd favourites like the bouncing indie anthem I Love You, Will You Marry Me and the more sinister Anarchist paved the way for the older fans to let loose.

In recent times the highlight of a YUNGBLUD show is his highly emotional performance of mars. It is Dom's clear goal to support the oppressed and his multiple reassurances throughout the concert made it evident that he cares for each and every one of his fans. mars is a true representation of Dom's mantra and the singalong the song received was like no other that night.

An unexpected yet excellent addition to the setlist was the performance of King Charles, a song which has alluded recent YUNGBLUD concerts but one which was welcome with open arms and had the crowd continually jumping throughout. Dom was on fine form throughout the gig, with his voice sounding melodic with added grit that doesn't quite transpire on some of his recorded tracks.

The night fell into another melancholic with Dom delving in 2020 album Weird!'s love song, in which he encouraged lighters in the air and embracing other crowd members. Whilst delivering a heartfelt speech, Dom was visibly holding back tears, showing how much he doesn't take his life for granted.

A stripped back piano version of teresa made for a powerful singalong and the show returned to full spirit as YUNGBLUD ended with his The Streets meets pop inspired charity and one last mosh pit inducing Machine Gun.

Overall it was a very potent concert, full of life and enjoyment. YUNGBLUD is a natural showman and his personality is unrivalled and gives him an edge on most of his contemporaries. The only downside of the concert was perhaps an overindulgence of crowd participation where YUNGBLUD could have sang slightly more and also the omission of the freak show in the set, but that's just a personal preference.

YUNGBLUD and his fellow band members should be immensely proud of how far they've come and the future is limitless for them as the shows will become more grand, but nothing beats an intimate gig full of positivity and raw energy.

Rating: 9/10

Setlist:

Strawberry Lipstick

Parents

superdeadfriends

I Love You, Will You Marry Me

Anarchist

mars

Weird

Fleabag

King Charles

Loner

love song

I Think I'm OKAY

Encore:

teresa

god save me, but don't drown me out

charity

Machine Gun (F**K the NRA)