This was the second time I had seen Caskets live. The first time was at Slam Dunk Festival 2024, and while they were good in every song, they did not blow me away. But after this show at the O2 Academy Islington, where they were joined by Colorblind and Palmist, I have totally changed my mind.
Caskets – Colorblind – Palmist
O2 Academy Islington – 27 February 2025
Words: Carol Giannattasio
Photography: Antonio Giannattasio
Caskets
Matt Flood stands out with his expressive voice and ability to convey the emotional depth of their songs. The rest of the band is incredibly tight, switching between more melodic moments and explosive sections that had the whole crowd involved.
Caskets’s setlist included tracks like Guiding Light, More Than Misery, and Drowned In Emotion, making a huge impact on the fans. The lighting effects were incredible, adding to the intensity of the experience.
What I loved most about the night was how Matt Flood interacted with the fans. He thanked everyone multiple times for the support they have gotten over the years, even getting emotional during Signs.
As the night was winding down, they could not end without two of their most iconic songs, Lost In Echoes and Glass Heart. For Glass Heart, I realized that while Matt has an amazing voice, he struggles a bit with the high notes, so we, the crowd, ended up singing half the song.
But even with that, he still delivered an amazing performance, finishing the night just like at Slam Dunk—among his fans, staying closely connected with them as he sang Better Way Out.
I think Caskets are a really underrated band, but if they reach the right people and work a little more on their foundation, they are one of those bands that could easily rise to the top.
Their sound is something that never gets old, no matter how many times you listen to it.
Colorblind
Colorblind were amazing. I had heard about them a long time ago but never really felt curious enough to check them out. Today, I realize I was totally wrong because Colorblind were the perfect in the context of tonight’s shows.
Motionless was the song they chose to kick off their short but intense set, followed by Car Crash and Needle Eye. With their mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop, Colorblind proved they are an absolute powerhouse live, experimenting with every kind of sound.
Their set ended with Ghosts and Way Out, leaving us wanting more but also excited for Caskets to take the stage.
Palmist
Palmist were a real surprise. With a mix of synthwave and alternative rock, they had the crowd fired up in the best way possible. Their last show—one of only two as a support act for Caskets—definitely left a mark.
Songs like Spark, Freak!, and Move Like That had the whole crowd moving to their upbeat, energetic sound. That said, Palmist is not really my thing, but they still knew how to work the crowd, giving fans a dance-filled experience before the highly anticipated sets from Colorblind and Caskets.
Honestly, it felt like a workout.
