FAST AND FIERCE | CONCERT REVIEW of The Driver Era at the Eventim Apollo, London [25.09.24]

On the night of the 25th of August, The Driver Era kicked off their X Girlfriend Tour, in London, at the Hammersmith Apollo.

The Californian duo, made up of brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch, have gained a dedicated following with their genre-bending mix of alternative rock, synth-pop, and indie vibes.

With a setlist ready to showcase their new releases and fan favourites, the stage was set for a perfect night.

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Kicking the night off was Californian boyband - Your Favorite Color - a fresh act packed full of punch and energy. The band blended indie-pop with touches of retro, drawing comparisons to acts like The 1975 and Dayglow. Their tight musicianship and easy-going stage presence quickly captured the audience’s attention, even for those who might not have been familiar with them beforehand, and they managed to get the whole crowd singing along and hyped up for the night.

Their chemistry on stage made it clear that this band is one to watch!

Next up was Almost Monday - San Diego-based trio whose infectious, high-energy performance truly ignited the crowd.

Bursting onto the stage with a charisma that was impossible to ignore, their set was filled with funky basslines, upbeat tempos, and shimmering synths that felt tailor-made for a summer festival.

Lead singer Dawson Daugherty darted about the stage, delivering bouncy, radio-ready tracks like “is it too late?” and “sunburn,” which had the audience dancing and clapping in unison. 

Almost Monday has been gaining traction for their distinctive blend of indie pop and funk, and their performance at the Apollo reinforced their reputation as a band with serious potential.

With catchy choruses and feel-good energy, they ensured that by the time The Driver Era took the stage, the crowd was more than ready to keep the party going.

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As the lights dimmed and the cheers intensified, The Driver Era emerged to thunderous applause. During the first song, they stood behind a white sheet, so you only saw their silhouettes. This, as you can imagine, only made the cheers even louder when the sheet came down after the song.

Ross Lynch, with his signature charm and vocal prowess, immediately took command of the stage alongside his brother, Rocky, whose guitar work was flawless throughout the set.

Opening with the atmospheric unreleased song ‘Touch’, the band launched into a tight and polished set, delivering a perfect mix of fan favourites and newer material from their Summer Mixtape album.

What’s striking about The Driver Era is how effortlessly they blend genres. The set felt dynamic and fluid, with each song offering a new layer to their evolving sound.

Ross’ vocals were on point, blending effortlessly with Rocky’s guitar riffs and the band’s tight rhythm section. The chemistry between the brothers was undeniable, and their stage banter added a lighthearted, personal touch to the evening.

One of the highlights of the night was their performance of “Preacher Man” a track that perfectly encapsulates The Driver Era’s unique style—a fusion of rock, funk, and indie-pop with an anthemic edge.

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The night wrapped up with a high-octane encore that included the fan-favourite, ‘A Kiss’, sending the crowd into a frenzy. As the final notes echoed through the venue, it was clear that The Driver Era had delivered a performance that lived up to all expectations. 

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