Years & Years review: A fearless celebration of diversity

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Elizabeth Aubrey6 December 2018

“London, you’re free to be whoever you want to be and love whoever you want to love,” said Mayor Sadiq Khan, opening Years & Years’ show at the O2 last night via video. This set the tone for an evening which celebrated freedom, individualism and diversity.

“The role they play in helping everyone take pride in their identity… can’t be overstated,” Khan added, before charismatic frontman Olly Alexander appeared on stage with his talented band members, Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Türkmen.

Flanked by slick dancers and neon cityscape visuals, Alexander transported the all-age audience into the futuristic world of the band’s second album, Palo Santo — a place of possibility and not the performative.

The synth-pop trio opened with Nineties-inspired Sanctify, its poignant lyrics “You don’t have to be straight with me / I see what’s underneath your mask” delivered affectingly. A passionate LGBTQ advocate who once told a Glastonbury audience to “shove a rainbow in fear’s face”, Alexander struggled with his own sexuality after experiencing homophobia as a teen.

Sanctify presented a fearless statement of intent from Alexander at the Madonna-like juncture between sex and religion. Where there was once fear and guilt, now there is confidence and catharsis. There were plenty of dramatic choreography, wide-ranging vocals and bold costume changes, as well as the adoption of multiple-gendered personas.

A stunning falsetto on Lucky Escape impressed, as did the touching acoustic balladry of Eyes Shut. A duet with DJ Jax Jones, the pulsating Shine, and King were vibrantly performed, as Alexander danced along a runway under a shower of rainbow confetti. The set was anchored by a moment of Pet Shop Boys-like art-pop during title track Palo Santo, when Alexander, in a floor-to-ceiling diamante ballgown, was elevated against a lunar backdrop.

It has been a dynamic year for Years & Years and they continue to intrigue. Theirs is a powerful and celebratory message, and one that feels lasting.

LGBTQ+ events to go to this December in London

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