Broadside Bring Big-Stage Energy to Camden's Underworld
Fresh from their appearances at Slam Dunk Festival and armed with a brand-new album, Broadside arrived at Camden's legendary Underworld looking every bit like a band on the verge of outgrowing venues of this size. The London date formed part of a short UK headline run that also stopped in Manchester and Birmingham, giving fans a chance to catch the Virginia quartet in intimate surroundings.
The evening opened with strong support from Lacey and Happydaze, both of whom did an excellent job of warming up the packed room. Lacey's infectious energy and sound won over the early crowd, while Happydaze pop-punk hooks delivered an emotionally charged set that had the audience fully engaged by the time the headliners took to the stage.
Back in April, Broadside released their fifth studio album, ‘Nowhere, At Last’, and much of the night's excitement centred around hearing the new material live. Marking a defining new era for the band, the record finds Broadside more grounded and self-aware than ever, reflecting on identity, growth and the clarity that comes from finally arriving after years of searching. From the opening moments of ‘I Think They Know’, it was clear these songs have added a new dimension to the band's set. The newer tracks carried a confidence and scale that sat comfortably alongside fan favourites.
Frontman Oliver Baxxter was in commanding form throughout, effortlessly leading singalongs, offering a helping hand to crowdsurfers and maintaining a strong connection with the audience. The band's chemistry was equally impressive, with every member contributing to a performance that felt polished without losing its sense of spontaneity. The Underworld may be a relatively small venue, but Broadside filled the room with a sound that often felt far bigger than its surroundings.
What stood out most was how naturally the band's evolution translated to the live setting. The expansive choruses and reflective themes of ‘Nowhere, At Last’enhanced the performance rather than overshadowing it, demonstrating just how far Broadside have come since their early pop-punk roots. There was a renewed sense of purpose on stage, balancing momentum with reflection in a way that mirrored the album itself.
As the final songs rang out and the crowd delivered one last deafening singalong, it became difficult to ignore the feeling that Broadside are approaching a new level. Riding the momentum of Slam Dunk and backed by one of the strongest records of their career, they look more than ready for bigger stages and larger rooms. If this UK run proved anything, it's that Broadside's next visit may well be to a much larger venue. Fearlessly evolving while remaining true to themselves, Broadside seem poised for their biggest impact yet.