London Grammar @ Underground Arts.
Text and images by Grace Dickinson.
London Grammar’s Hannah Reid was struggling to keep her voice strong this past weekend as she sang to the packed crowd swarming Underground Arts on Saturday night. Minus the slight brevity of the set, however, it’s doubtful you would’ve ever guessed, had this not been addressed aloud.
“After this, we head to DC,” said Reid following a forewarning that her voice was starting to go. “And then I’m going to sleep for three days straight.”
Philly was the British trio’s second to last stop on a tour of 12 quickly sold-out shows.
Despite perhaps a bit of fatigue, Reid, along with guitarist Dan Rothman and percussionist Dominic “Dot” Major, powered through a true-to-album performance, one filled with hauntingly emotional vocals from Reid alongside the band’s ethereal instrumentation.
Strong. Powerful. Hypnotic. All of these could’ve been used to describe London Grammar’s performance. Yet, each band member stood relatively still throughout its duration. They left most of the movement up to six colored lights positioned at the back of the stage, swirling, and crisscrossing and at times leaving the room in darkness. At times, they made you wish London Grammar were moving, too.
Hailing from the city that lends them their name, this was the band’s second time playing at Underground Arts, and the only repeat stop they’ve made since their previous tour.
“The last time we were here was maybe our favorite show of the tour,” said Rothman. “So thank you for this night as well.”
With an audience feeling an obvious bit of sadness at their departure from stage, it was clear Philly too was feeling thankful for their return.
Haerts opened the show.
JUMP: The Philly Music Project 
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