LCD Soundsystem, O2 Academy Brixton, London: The dance-punk pioneers return to the capital for a vital, invigorating victory lap

For a band that have only released one new track proper in seven years, LCD Soundsystem have retained remarkable cultural cachet; be it their evident influence on the 2020s’ so-called indie sleaze revival (we’re looking at you, The Dare) or their feted live appearances at All Points East and Glastonbury last summer, the cult New York icons continue to be alternative music mainstays.

And, arriving at South London’s O2 Academy Brixton for the first of the band’s eight-night June residency (a step up from the stint of six they did here back in 2022), it’s not hard to see why. To watch LCD - especially in a (relatively) intimate setting such as this - is akin to embarking on a choose-your-own-adventure: for some, it’s a fascinating opportunity to witness James Murphy ringlead his maverick troupe of band members, who between them command some five sets of keys and synths, three drum kits, and one hell of a disco ball; for others, it’s a chance to put matter over mind and be absorbed into collective revelry, as this high-ceilinged ex-theatre is transformed into a sweaty, strobe-lit basement.

With such a busy stage - set up such that Murphy can meander between members, playfully supplementing the band’s signature extended instrumental breaks - it’s evident that LCD approach the core of their live shows with architectural precision; what’s gloriously ad-hoc, though, are the finishing flourishes. Amidst the onstage melee, Murphy’s ‘BRAT’ green t-shirt becomes a guiding beacon, a neon-hued eye of the storm that brings everything - and everyone - into his orbit. Any usual rules of engagement are thrown by the wayside, as he wanders over to Pat Mahoney’s light-up kit during ‘Yr City’s a Sucker’ to hit the snare with a maraca; elsewhere, Al Doyle can be seen playing keys and drums simultaneously, one hand hammering each as he gleefully stretches himself (quite literally) for ‘Time To Get Away’.