Concert Review: Crystal Fighters, at Roxy, Prague, Joyful Mystical Tunes

Crystal Fighters are known for their high-octane performances and genre-defying sound – a fusion of Basque folk, indie and electronica that has garnered them a dedicated following. Their music is a combination of many different styles, and it makes sense when looking at the variety of musical instruments they play, including some rare ethnic items, such as the txalaparta.

The atmosphere was abuzz with electricity as fans gradually made their way into the venue to await the event. The evening kicked off with a rousing set from the opening act, My Oh My, who captivated the crowd with their infectious blend of indie, electro and dance-infused sounds. As the stage was set for the main event, the excitement in the air was palpable, with concertgoers trading excited chatter and jostling for the best vantage points.

They effortlessly warmed up the crowd with their infectious beats and charismatic stage presence. Their unique blend of sounds created a perfect lead-in for the headliners, building excitement and engaging the audience right from the start. The public, though of course largely there for the main act, were quickly won over by My Oh My's charisma and infectious energy, leaving the crowd primed and ready.

Then, as the lights dimmed, the air in the Roxy reached a fever pitch. A collective hush fell over the audience, a silence soon shattered by the explosive entrance of the band. Lead vocalist Sebastian Pringle, accompanied by bandmates Gilbert Vierich and Graham Dickson, along with the mesmerising Eleanor Fletcher, took their positions and without a moment's delay, they launched into their set, starting with the pompous "I Love London".

Each song transported the audience to a world of joy and euphoria, with sing-alongs and dance-offs breaking out throughout the evening. The energy in the room was palpable, as fans connected not only with the music but also with one another, creating a sense of community that is often found at live shows, however rarely in such a spiritual and mystical way.

Sebastian commanded the stage with his charismatic stage presence, his vocals soaring above the pulsing beats and cascading melodies. The crowd responded in kind, dancing and singing along passionately to fan favourites like "You & Me" and "Follow". The band's energy was relentless, with each song building on the last to create a crescendo of sound and emotion.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening came when Crystal Fighters performed "At Home", a song that embodies the band's ethos of finding harmony within oneself and the world. The audience, arms raised, voices lifted, became part of the performance. Throughout the electrifying set, the band was able to seamlessly transition between upbeat, dance-inducing tracks and more introspective, atmospheric numbers.

As the night progressed, the band showed no signs of slowing down. They played with an intensity that suggested that they, too, were aware of the special connection that was forming within the walls of the Roxy. The crowd was in a state of euphoria, their energy feeding that of the band, creating a feedback loop of pure, unadulterated joy.

The crowd moved as one, a sea of bodies ebbing and flowing to the rhythm of hits and many engaging songs from their latest album like "Tranquilo", "Multiverse" and "Manifest". As the night drew to a close, the band expressed their gratitude to the fans, a sentiment that was met with resounding applause, with the hypnotic "Plage", performed together with members from My Oh My, invited once more on stage.

Crystal Fighters' performance was not just a display of musical prowess but a celebration of life itself. Their songs imbued with themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world, struck a chord with the crowd, who sang along to every word, their voices merging with the band's in a powerful symphony of shared experience.

Crystal Fighters did not just play a show; they created an unforgettable experience, a moment in time where music transcended the ordinary and touched the extraordinary. Their infectious enthusiasm was matched by the crowd's fervour, resulting in an exhilarating atmosphere that lingered long after the final notes faded.

The band delivered an intense and emotional performance that left fans happily fulfilled, and the venue transformed into a sanctuary of sound and emotion, a place where fans lost themselves in the mystical melodies the band generated. For those in attendance, the dynamic performance of Crystal Fighters at the Roxy would be a tale told for years to come, a night when the stars aligned and music triumphed.

Crystal Fighters
08.10.2024
Prague (Roxy)

Setlist
I Love London
Follow
LA Calling
We Got Hope
Yellow Sun
Love Is All I Got
Tranquillo
Numbers
I Do This Everyday
Multiverse
All Night
Champion Sound
Bridge of Bones
Manifest
You & I
At Home
Love Natural

Encore
End The Suffering
Xtatic Truth
Plage