JLS, 02 Arena, London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Relentless screams filled the arena as glow sticks, foam hands and cameras were ready and waiting to be thrust into the air with total abandon. As their latest album's title track, "Outta This World", boomed out of the speakers, the 2008 X Factor runners-up made their entrance in a car suspended above the audience that cruised leisurely overhead. Slightly uninspired, the audience changed their minds and sat down – the potential for un-restrained joy lost out to strategic attempts to secure eye contact with one's band member of choice, be it Aston, Marvin, JB or Oritsé.
Two tracks later, the crowd were all fired up again. The synthy hook of "Eyes Wide Shut" – accompanied by a body-popping dance routine – also featured a brief invasion from grime artist Tinie Tempah. After a short outburst of rapping, the star slumped indifferently behind the quartet (who continued to leap around like excitable puppies), then sheepishly withdrew behind the scenes. It's safe to say he didn't steal the show.
Several gravity-defying dance routines, a play fight and a playful interchange with a dancing robot later, the crowd were back on their feet for "The Club Is Alive". A vast improvement on the studio-recorded track, the band's faultless vocal delivery made the song sound less sluggish and derivative – and slightly more menacing and interesting.
A ream of costume changes followed, the most inspired of which was when the band emerged looking like Lego men in white trousers and primary-coloured sweatshirts for the encore. Complete with brightly coloured confetti, "Everybody in Love" had everyone up and swaying for the euphoric closing performance.
Alas, genuine vocal talent and a sense of fun might be enough for now, but JLS might have to produce something more outstanding than throbbing R&B and stammering club synths to keep their troops entertained for years to come.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments