A sold-out night at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London is always something special, but when The Home Team take the stage, you know you're in for a treat. Joined by two fantastic supporting acts, True North and Arrows in Action, the evening was set up for an unforgettable celebration of live music.
Opening the evening were L.A.-based True North, making their first appearance in London. Despite being the first act of the night, they were welcomed warmly, with fans already showing their enthusiasm and bringing plenty of energy to the room. Their set was a great way to kick things off. It was a lovely introduction to a band that clearly has something to offer. If their first London appearance is anything to go by, True North are certainly a name worth keeping an eye on this side of the Atlantic.
Next up were Jacksonville, Florida's Arrows in Action, a band that may have been a discovery for some of the audience, but certainly not for everyone. From the opening notes of 'Empty Canvas', their sound made an immediate impression, with a vocal style reminiscent of Green Day, almost as if the band had taken their sound on holiday. For the fans already familiar with their music, however, it was well-known territory. ‘Light Like You' and 'High' had the crowd jumping and singing along, while the band made a conscious effort to bring the audience even closer through clapping moments during 'Hello Sunlight' and 'Head in the Clouds'.
The latter became one of the evening's most memorable moments, introduced by a heartfelt speech from the band, with drummer Jesse Frimmel stepping forward to address the crowd. He shared a little of the band's journey: from playing to empty rooms to standing in front of a beautiful crowd in London, touring across Europe and experiencing just how far their music had taken them. Describing it as a "full circle moment", the message was simple but meaningful: follow your dreams and keep your head in the clouds.
The moment became even more special when Jesse remained on stage to join singer Victor Viramontes-Pattison and guitarist Matthew Fowler on vocals, while True North's drummer stepped in to take over behind the kit. An unexpected collaboration between the two bands, it was a fitting way to bring the song to life and underline the sense of camaraderie throughout the evening.
That same connection carried through the rest of the set. The energy never seemed to drop, and the band's engagement with the audience was constant. Before 'Uncomfortably Numb', the invitation was clear: "If you know it, sing it loud and proud", and the crowd certainly didn't need to be told twice. It was another reminder that Arrows in Action weren't simply performing for their audience; they were making them part of the show.
By the end of the set, what began as a supporting performance had become a memorable introduction to a band well worth discovering.
There was also something particularly fitting about having Arrows in Action sharing the bill with The Home Team. The two bands go back around six years, having once played together in front of almost nobody. Fast-forward to London, and they were now sharing a sold-out venue, with a crowd singing along to every word. A full-circle moment, and a reminder of how far both bands have come. With the atmosphere already reaching a high point, it was finally time for The Home Team to take centre stage.
After three years away from this venue, The Home Team returned to London to a sold-out O2 Forum Kentish Town, and wasted no time reminding everyone why the wait had been worthwhile.
The setlist offered a generous mix of tracks from Better Off, Slow Bloom and The Crucible of Life, making sure there was something for fans across every era of the band's catalogue. It was the kind of selection where almost everyone in the room could expect to hear a personal favourite.
The opening choice was 'Turn You Off', immediately recognisable from its iconic opening words, "Here we go again". Three years after their first UK headline tour, those words felt particularly fitting. From there, the band moved straight into 'Brag' and 'Hell', setting a relentless pace before briefly addressing the audience and continuing the show.
The energy on stage was matched by an equally animated crowd. Brian Butcher brought his unmistakable personality to the performance, complete with plenty of memorable dance moves, while John Baran on guitar and Ryne Olson on bass delivered impressively synchronised kicks and turns. Behind them, Daniel Matson kept the momentum going on drums, with an energy that seemed almost inexhaustible.
'Overtime' and 'Right Through Me' followed, the latter standing out as one of the night's highlights. The connection between the band and the audience was evident throughout, with the crowd singing along and keeping the atmosphere alive from one song to the next.
Taking a moment to address the room, the band expressed their gratitude: "Thank you very much for coming to this show. It's been three years since we stopped at this venue and it's sold out’’, a genuine acknowledgement of the occasion and of the fans who had filled the venue to welcome them back. They also revealed that preparations for the next album were underway, giving the audience definitely something new to look forward to.
There was little time to dwell on the announcement, however, as the set continued with 'Roommates', 'Love & Co.', 'She's Quiet' and 'Fashion Forward'. The transition between older material and more recent releases was seamless, with the audience showing equal excitement for both. It was a clear indication of how well the band's catalogue has grown, and how strongly each chapter continues to resonate with their fans.
The evening also brought a special reunion moment during 'All Squeezed Out', when Arrows in Action's singer, Victor, joined The Home Team on stage. A fitting reminder of the friendship between the bands and the history they share, another moment that made this particular show feel different from an ordinary headline performance.
And because even the most energetic rock show needs a quieter moment (yes, even for the crowd surfers), the band shifted gears with 'Rat Queen', joined by Arrows in Action's guitarist Matthew Fowler, followed by 'Walk This World With Me'. Described by Brian as one of his favourite songs to perform, the latter transformed the venue into something quite different. Flashlights illuminated the room as voices came together in unison, creating a beautiful contrast to the high-energy moments that had dominated the evening.
The band also took the opportunity to acknowledge both supporting acts, expressing how much it meant to see their journeys unfold. As Brian put it, "It's a beautiful thing to witness and watch those two bands grow." Given the history shared between the musicians, the sentiment felt particularly genuine. The evening was not simply about three bands sharing a stage, but about friendships, shared beginnings and the opportunity to celebrate how far everyone had come.
The set continued with 'Slow Bloom', greeted with a particularly enthusiastic response from the crowd. Before moving on to 'Move It or Lose It', Brian shared a little insight into a previous on-stage tradition: at past shows, the audience had been asked to vote for their favourite between two songs. This time, however, there was no need to choose. Both were making the setlist.
The momentum continued with 'Somebody Else's Face', 'Watching All Your Friends Get Rich' and 'Loud', each receiving the same enthusiastic response that had carried through the evening.
Things took a heavier turn with 'Danger', arguably the band's most intense track. The song shook the venue, particularly during the bridge, when the crowd joined Brian in shouting the emphatic "No!" in unison.
The final song, 'Worthy', brought another reminder of just how dedicated the audience was. Even towards the end of an already packed set, fans were still singing along, knowing the lyrics and giving the song the attention it deserved. The performance was briefly paused to address a safety concern in the crowd, with the band making sure everyone was safe before continuing. A decision that was undoubtedly appreciated by the audience, and a reminder that the fans always come first. Once everything was settled, the band restarted the song and brought the set to its conclusion on an explosive, high-energy note, leaving the crowd with exactly the kind of finale the evening deserved.
Throughout the performance, The Home Team made a point of acknowledging everyone who had come out to see them, whether long-standing fans or those discovering the band more recently. It was a fitting gesture after a sold-out return to London, and a reminder that the connection with their audience remains at the heart of what they do.
True North, Arrows in Action, and The Home Team each brought something different to the stage, yet their performances complemented one another perfectly. Rather than feeling like three separate sets, the evening unfolded as a continuous build-up of energy, with each band raising the bar for the next.
By the time The Home Team took the stage, the atmosphere was already electric, and they carried that momentum right through to the final moments. Perhaps the best indication of just how much the evening meant to those in attendance came after the music had stopped. Even outside the venue, fans could still be heard singing, unwilling to let the night come to an end just yet.
Three bands, one sold-out venue and an audience that gave as much as it received. From the first notes of the opening act to the voices still carrying through the streets afterwards, this was a night that demonstrated exactly what makes live music so special. London had certainly been given something to remember.
Words by Julie Moisson
Photos by Florelle Servageon
