Midnight Til Morning // KOKO

Bring back boybands

★★★★☆ (4/5)

The latest stop on Australian-American boyband Midnight Til Morning’s tour saw them packing out KOKO in Camden, as they delighted fans with their distinctive take on modern pop.

Formed from the Netflix show “Building The Band,” the group has continued to thrive as they develop their sound and live performances. Despite their short career, the band have cultivated a decidedly loyal fanbase. With fan favourite tracks receiving rabid roars of appreciation from sold-out venues around the world.

On this tour, the set list contained a mix of popular cuts from the band’s discography and a number of covers, including some from their time on the talent show. Each song's performance felt grounded in the band's personality, helping to show the artistic growth the group has undergone in a staggeringly short span.

Opening with “Ghost of Us”, the band immediately had the audience on tenterhooks as the group delivered muscular vocals alongside undeniable stage presence. What became apparent from the live performance was the grittier and more rugged sound that contrasted the studio recordings.

From the selection of covers performed, Coldplay’s “Higher Power” proved to be an early shot of adrenaline while renditions of “The Reason” by Hoobastank and “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo showed the vast array of inspirations the band draws on.

A powerfully poignant moment came from the band performing “Midnight” by the late Liam Payne, who had been a judge on “Building The Band”. It was a touching tribute, only made more heartfelt by the band later covering “Night Changes” by One Direction.

Throughout, there was a professional quality to the music and stage show that made the band feel like they had already reached superstardom. The fact that the band have already announced another U.K. leg of the tour for May goes to show the depth of passion the group have tapped into.

Closing on the aptly titled “Bye”, the band left it all on stage with an anthemic ballad that grabbed hold of everyone in the venue.

With their fans left cheering as the house lights ushered them back into the chilly world outside. There was not a disappointed face in the crowd, as Midnight Til Morning had thoroughly proved their ability to command an audience.

Review By: Sam McNaughton