LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: PALE WAVES AT KOKO, LONDON 25/09/26
Last Friday night Pale Waves took over a packed KOKO in Camden, bringing a fresh setlist, two fantastic support acts, and a sold-out crowd ready to tear the house down. A Pale Waves show is not your standard concert, it is truly an experience where anthemic alt-rock and unapologetic self-expression merge into one, where fuzzy guitars meet unfiltered singalongs, and every corner of the room just radiates pure queer joy.
Over the years, the band has really found their stride live. They've shifted from their early The 1975-style goth-pop into a punchier, late-’90s alt-rock and pop-punk sound, delivering a night that felt like equal parts alt-indie party and massive community celebration where everyone is truly welcome.
The first support act was emerging alt-pop outfit SISTRA who set the bar early, bringing ethereal textures and tight harmonies for a captivating performance that reached its peak with a reimagined cover of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’. Dropping a casual “you guys know this, right?” to a crowd that very much did, they had the entire floor singing along before bowing out with a sweet “We love you guys, see you next time!”.
Next up were Boyish, who seemed genuinely struck by KOKO’s grandeur, taking a second to label it the “most beautiful venue ever.” Taking the middle slot, the American indie-rock duo delivered a standout set packed with raw songwriting and nineties-infused sounds.
A few songs in, after warmly getting the crowd to cheer for the headliners and calling the tour an “absolute privilege,” they launched into ‘Prom’ which was undoubtedly the highlight of their set, before wrapping things up with ‘Legs’ and an open invitation to come say hello at the merch table.
Their intimate lyricism mixed with beautiful, nostalgic choruses struck a massive chord with the sold-out crowd, making them a memorable support act that clearly gained plenty of new fans, us included.
By the time Pale Waves hit the stage, the atmosphere was already electric. Opening up with ‘Kiss Me Again’ and followed by ‘Television Romance’, the trio - comprised of Heather Baron-Gracie on vocals and guitar, Charlie Wood on bass and Ciára Doran on drums - proved instantly why they remain such a magnetic live force.
‘Perfume’ and ‘Red’ kept the energy on a high, before Wood provided an immediate candidate for quote of the night by surveying the magnificent decor and announcing, “This ain’t a shithole!”, following up with a quick temperature check: “Have you seen us before? What do you reckon, we aren’t bad, right?’’
That was a subtle understatement. Following up with ‘Zombie’, the front rows as well as the rest of the venue - balconies included - devolved into a beautiful mess of jumping, and screaming every word back.
Shortly after, frontwoman Baron-Gracie paused to acknowledge the crowd's patience: “I know it’s been ages since we’ve released new music so we appreciate you being here. Do you guys wanna hear a new song?” before launching into the unreleased ‘Kisses of Tangerine’, which went down a treat. She then took a quick survey of the day-ones - “Who’s been here since 2018?”, promising that the old-school crowd would love the following track ‘Came In Close’ from their 2018’s album My Mind Makes Noises.
The setlist definitely hit a sweet spot between nostalgic fan favourites and their newer material. Early hits like ‘Eighteen’ triggered instant jumping, dancing and singalongs, while the band also kept things fresh with another brand new song titled ‘They Don’t Want You’, a little taste of what’s to come for Pale Waves fans.
Baron-Gracie remains a magnetic lead, commanding the stage with a blend of playful coolness, brooding charisma, and flawless vocals. But what made the night extra special was how wonderfully unpretentious it all felt. It was genuinely refreshing to see all three band members take the mic throughout the gig, giving everyone a chance to address the crowd. That shared spotlight created a real sense of unity, stripping away any detachment and making them feel like an ordinary, down-to-earth band deeply connected to their audience. At one point drummer Ciára Doran also stepped up to share the love, beaming: “You guys look pretty cool, I love you guys.”
The undisputed peak of the night came right after, with the fan favourite ‘She’s My Religion’. “Do we have any gays out there?” HBG asked, scanning the crowd. “I can see you! It can’t be a Pale Waves show without a bunch of gays. Give it up for the gays!” The room went off, and as the song kicked in, a wave of lesbian flags shot up across the floor, turning the venue into a sea of pride.
The next track ‘Jealousy’ was a prime example of the unique live identity that Pale Waves have spent years crafting, prompting more jumping and lyrics belted out from every corner of the room, really keeping the energy on a high moments before the encore.
After one final shoutout to their tour mates of the day (“Give it up for Sistra and Boyish!”), Pale Waves closed their set with ‘Not A Love Song’ and ‘There’s a Honey’, leaving the London crowd extra sweaty, hoarse, and completely captivated.
Pale Waves continue to prove why they are one of the most exciting live alternative acts in the UK. Seamlessly blending angst and pop sensibilities, and genuine stage presence, their gig at the magnificent KOKO was a true reminder of just how far the band has evolved. A Pale Waves gig surely never disappoints, and this night was a prime example.
Words and photos by Florelle Servageon.
SISTRA photos taken by Eva Grant.
