By Gustavo Raskosky
As self-described on their website, the members of Bombay Bicycle Club have been writing songs for Saturday nights and songs for Sunday mornings since their mid-teens. I think that’s a perfectly apt summary of the type of energy the group brings to their art. After speaking with a variety of concert-goers, I realized that this was about to be a shared journey of nostalgia – and that is exactly what it was. It had been 10 years since the group had graced Houston. The anticipation in the air was palpable. It felt like a decade’s worth of memories was about to be unraveled.
Opening the night was Mustard Service, a band that seemed to arrive on stage with a touch of nerves but left with the crowd wrapped around their fingers. Even those unfamiliar with their music embraced them as if they were the headliners. Their infectious energy set the tone for the evening, with everyone in the audience visibly enjoying the performance.
As Bombay Bicycle Club took the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement. Being in the pit, I had a clear line of sight of all the members of the group – each wearing a giant smile as the crowd continued to cheer. They opened with “Just A Little More Time.” Fun fact: most shows that allow photographers in will only allow the photographers to shoot the first three songs. The last song I was able to see up-close-and-personal was “Feel,” which is a favorite of mine. “Feel” combines South Asian influences with a 2010s indie groove. The energy is contagious – at least it felt that way.
“Luna” was a standout moment, with a fantastic performance by the lead vocalist, captivating the crowd. “How Much Sleep Can You Swallow” turned out to be an unexpected crowd-pleaser, despite its more mellow vibe. To be fair, it’s one of the three more viral songs that had introduced the band to many people. “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong” carried a poignant message, especially considering the challenging times during the pandemic. Jack Steadman, the lead singer of Bombay Bicycle Club, mentioned how the song was formulated to encapsulate the moment they found themselves in shortly after reuniting. “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)” showcased the power of simple repetition, creating a fan favorite with its infectious rhythm.
The performance of “So Long, See You Tomorrow” stood out as one of the better-paced songs. The transitions around this song were the best crafted of the set. It began with the calming sounds of “Reign Down” (that actually acts as a portion of “So Long, See You Tomorrow”) and accelerated as the drummer changed the tempo. The drummer’s chimes at the end added a unique touch, leaving a lasting, *tongue-in-cheek* impression.
The false ending with “Always Like This” created an infectious wave of clapping and dancing. The real ending featured two special songs, “Turn The World On” dedicated to the lead singer’s two-year-old son, and a lively finale with “Shuffle,” reigniting memories for the entire crowd. Bombay Bicycle Club’s concert at White Oak Music Hall was a celebration of a decade of music, bringing together a crowd of (mostly) lifelong listeners and creating an unforgettable night.
