Transportation to the 90s in America - Phosphorescent, Live Review

Think late 90s, early 2000's Greta Gerwig A24 film. Essentially, that's Phosphorescents music as a whole, for me at least. I get entirely transported to a different time; in my head, I have always used their songs as soundtracks to my novels. Even sharing that feels deeply personal; that's how much Phosphorescent have meant to me, for years now. Little did I know that live, they not only sound the exact same, but the atmosphere equally transports you as much as their music.

Have you watched the Andrew Garfield Spiderman where Peter Parker finally gets his kiss? Yeah, Phosphorescent are the LITERAL song behind that scene. Song For Zula, as many of their songs, has been used a significant amount in multiple large and well known films. Every time I hear it, there's a spike in my blood pressure. Don't overuse it, please, let me use it one day in my films!

Completely unrelated to the band but a massive thank you to Koko, London, where it was held, for the incredible accessibility help given.

Our view was perfect; I could see who I call 'Gene Wilder' (Matthew Houck, the front man) perfectly and was facing who I call 'cowboy Jesus' - his pianist. I could see the entire crowd drowning in red light, most of which were far older than me and definitely a percentage of Americans in comparison to other gigs I go to. I loved it. I felt like Greta Gerwig going through a mid twenties to early thirties revelation in a black and white film.

If it isn't obvious, I have absolutely nothing to say except that I was blown away and ever so pleased that one of my favourite musicians was indeed, incredible. Matthew, throughout the show, showed extreme gratitude, shaking hands of fans, asking what songs were wanted, and literally saying thank you between every song. If you're new here, small interactions like these make me implode with happiness.

The set was split into three; solo, with band, encore. My ONLY grievance with Mr Wilder is that he didn't end the set on Ride on/Right on, which is the perfect finale amongst his very sad and emotional songs (his words!) - nonetheless, I got to hear Cocaine Lights (totally not what you think it will be about) and cried as much as one could trying to look cool next to their younger, way cooler sister.

It's safe to say this was one of the best concerts I've been to. The crowd were lovely, venue and staff were accomodating, and Phosphorescent were absolutely serene. It was an incredible night and if you don't know Phosphorescent, time to get them up and listen to Song for Zula, having a big cry.

Image by Claire Alexandra