Not Advised at the Bar Academy
I was not expecting to see a performance by Southampton based Not Advised when I attended the Attack! Attack! gig at Islington’s O2 Bar Academy, but very excited to see them perform once again and see how much they have changed as a band over the past year.
Last time I saw the band perform on this very stage they were much less experienced and seemed a little nervous. Now 18 months later with much more practice under their belts they appeared more engaging with a rise in magnetism while performing. Their set was fairly simple, consisted of some very catchy tunes; new material such as ‘the Arch’ as well as old like their single ‘You’re the Designers, We’re the Deciders’ and the addictive ‘Jane Says Left’. However, even with simplicity they were very impressive in demanding the attention of crowd, encouraged them to get in closer to the stage, as close as the speakers would allow them to get anyway. Vocalist James seemed much more relaxed and in the moment than the last time I witnessed him performing. No more hoodie covering up a anxious young man but a confident musician and an engaging performance by a bloke that knows how to work the stage.
Not Advised gave a quick set of incredible songs and music that thumps you in the chest, causing you to miss a breath. They are a band full of energy that we look forward to hearing more from in the next few months.