Blossoms in Bournemouth, November 2022

words and photos by Beth Bowden

edited by Miyuki Wang

We're very happy to have our dear friend Beth writing about Blossoms for our last gig review post of 2022. Personally, my first gig back after covid was Blossoms at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London in September last year. After the dark days of misery without any gigs which felt like forever, that evening with Blossoms was a warm embrace; everyone there was ready to party, starting from sing-alongs to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Sweet Caroline' in their pre-show playlist. I was so happy surrounded by their fans who knew all the words to their songs and I am still grateful to the band for making my come-back to gigs so perfect. At the time, I thought that evening's homely atmosphere was due to everyone feeling ecstatic about coming back to the place where they belong (aka a gig). However, Beth's review proves that it is something unique that this band and their gigs have.

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The night started out with an absolute bang; Seb Lowe and his band came on and were immediately drawn to his lyricism and absolutely incredible stage presence. One of the most captivating parts of his set was his violinist which was something I'd never seen before.

Seb Lowe and his violonist

Blossoms came on and immediately the crowd went wild roaring the lyrics out to 'At Most a Kiss' which was such a good opener.

The set went on and with each song the crowd got even more exuberant. "Hello, we're Blossoms and we're from Stockport" greets Tom in his traditional manner. Has a band ever worn their hometown so proudly before! They then went on to an acapella version of 'Care For,' which was truly jaw-dropping.

Tom goes on to introduce smash hit 'Your Girlfriend,' my favourite song, and the crowd went wild! They then slowed the set down and sang 'Visions,' what a magical moment, the crowd singing at the top of their lungs. As the set progressed Josh and his insanely excellent guitar solos took the crowd by storm, after 'In My Swimming Brain' it was time to slow it down a little more with 'My Favourite Room' which took the crowd's breath away.

The rest of the band left the stage and Tom went on to say how he wrote that song when he was heartbroken which meant nothing to him now but this is for anyone who's feeling heartbroken. It was just Tom and the crowd.. it felt very personal almost as if he was singing to each and every person in the room, truly a very special moment.

The band went off stage which meant the night was almost over and was absolutely heartbreaking but the band came out for their encore and performed 'There's a Reason Why' and 'Charlemagne' which finished the crowd off.

Everyone left with the biggest smile and a skip in their steps! The merch table queue was enormous, that in itself shows it was an incredible gig.

O2 Academy Bournemouth is a pretty venue

My night did not end there, I went out back to meet the lads and they were truly the kindest souls out there. I bought a tote bag which they all signed then they proceeded to talk to and take pictures with all the fans waiting for them. What a class band.

Totebag signed by the band

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Setlist

At Most a Kiss

Honey Sweet

Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)

The Keeper

Cut Me and I'll Bleed

How Long Will This Last?

Getaway

Ode to NYC

The Sulking Poet

Care For (Acapella Intro)

I Can't Stand It

If You Think This Is Real Life

Your Girlfriend

Visions

My Swimming Brain

My Favourite Room

Encore

There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)

Charlemagne

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Check Out Blossoms on their official website / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube and Instagram.

Blossoms will be playing multiple shows in the UK next summer including a support slot for The Kooks in Dublin and their headliner shows in Leeds and Manchester. Check their website for more information.

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Thank you for keeping up with A Lucid Dream in 2022 - we could go on until today all because of your amazing support. We cannot wait to share more gig reviews in 2023. Please do let us know if you want to write about a gig you have been to / write about your favourite album etc etc... and we can put it together on our page.