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The Forum, Kentish Town
Razorlight returned to the spotlight last night in preparation of a new album and tour in November. Frontman Johnny Borrell's reputation for arrogance proceeds him, but last night he was pleasantly humble. He even managed to keep his top on, which was a bonus.
Playing to an ebullient crowd, they debuted a clutch of new songs like upcoming single Wire To Wire.
Delivered by a plaintive Johnny sat behind a piano, it lacked the bombast of previous releases and sounded strangely like "Another Day In Paradise" by Phil Collins.
That said, it will probably be inescapable in the coming weeks. The House and Hostage Of Love also pointed at a slightly more grave and serious edge to the band, the latter evoking Borrell's lookalike, Scott Walker.
The only new stinker was Burberry Blue Eyes, an attempt to be a modern Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, which left fans just a little weary.
But hits like Rip It Up and In The Morning meant that it was a storming show none the less. Borrell-haters beware - He's probably not leaving the spotlight any time soon.
-Oliver Keens
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