Reviews

Fifteen minutes and a lot of impressed gasps later, it turns out we were being wooed by Beardyman, the twice British Beatbox Champion. This innovative support slot gears the crowd up to maximum hyperactivity.

After what can only be described as one hell of a battle in a sardine tin (if sardines were 6ft tall men with no manners and sweaty tenners) to get to some liquid refreshments, Groove Armada finally grace the stage. They’ve pulled in a sell out crowd at the Apollo, celebrating their ten-year success as one of England’s finest electro acts.

Amidst some lesser-known tracks taken from the new album, GA: 10 Year Story, there was an electric response to Song For Mutya, which due to Miss Buena’s unique voice, was not impersonated live.

In her absence, there were some spectacular visuals; incredible blue lasers bounced off the stage, through the crowd and right to the back of the 5,000 fans. Oh to have a budget like the Armada’s!

The very different styles from the two female vocalists allowed no time for boredom as from the feisty and fearless Stush to the powerful yet sweet sounds of local lass Veba, we were kept on our toes.

Superstylin’, led by rapper MC M.A.D and the trombone delights of Andy Cato, was a well oiled contrast to the mellow My Friend, which managed to somehow sound huge during the chorus despite it’s soft exterior.

A real highlight, as always, was the sublime At the River, a song which grows when performed live to give you a million emotions running round your tummy and tingles up your spine with every note.

So after years at the top, do Groove Armada’s efforts to bring the beats of two DJs out from behind the decks and on tour with a full band still cut it? No doubt – they had three generations dancing, proving whether you’ve been a fan for years or have just been introduced, this lot certainly know how to entertain their audience.