Trophy Eyes
O2 Islington Academy // London, England // 11 April 2024
Photos and review by Rachael Dowd
Last night, the atmosphere at O2 Academy Islington crackled with anticipation as fans gathered to witness the Australian punk rock outfit Trophy Eyes take the stage.
Opening the show with “Blue Eyed Boy,” showcasing their signature blend of punk fervor and melodic soul-searching, Trophy Eyes wasted no time in captivating the audience. Frontman John Floreani’s raw vocals cut through the air, echoing the struggles and triumphs of youth with every lyric. From the anthemic choruses of “Something Bigger Than This” to the haunting introspection of “Suicide Pact,” each song resonated with the crowd, drawing them deeper into the emotional journey unfolding on stage.
The band’s tight musicianship was on full display as they effortlessly transitioned between heart-pounding riffs and haunting melodies. Guitarists Andrew Hallett and Kevin Cross showcased their prowess, delivering blistering solos and driving riffs that kept the energy high throughout the set. Meanwhile, bassist Jeremy Winchester and drummer Blake Caruso provided a solid foundation, their rhythms pulsating with an infectious energy that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish.
But perhaps the most captivating aspect of the evening was the palpable connection between the band and their audience. Floreani’s introspective lyrics struck a chord with fans, many of whom sang along with every word, their voices blending with his in a chorus of shared experience. In moments of quiet reflection, the venue seemed to hold its breath, hanging on every word before erupting into thunderous applause as the band launched into another anthemic chorus.
The connection between Floreani was so strong that the vocalist even crowd surfed a few times, his showmanship ever present as he exhausted every ounce of energy. He also earned a few laughs when he asked if Chemical Miracle was the crowd’s favorite Trophy Eyes’ album, to which the majority of the crowd raised their hands, eventually earning a playful “fuck you” from the vocalist as he went into talking about their new album, Suicide and Sunshine.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Trophy Eyes had left an indelible mark on O2 Academy Islington. “Chlorine” brought a chorus of echoes throughout the venue as everyone sang the hook “I’m still breathing” back to the band, showcasing just how strongly that song means to the Trophy Eyes fanbase.
Their performance was not just a concert, but a cathartic experience that left fans exhilarated and emotionally spent. With their blend of punk attitude and heartfelt sincerity, Trophy Eyes proved once again why they are one of the most exciting bands in the genre today.
