The Dome in Tufnell Park has long served as a litmus test for indie-rock’s next contenders. On Tuesday night, the North London venue played host to Balancing Act, a quintet currently riding a wave of momentum following a string of well-received releases.
Matt Felix opened the proceedings backed by a versatile four-piece ensemble. Dressed in a somber dark suit and t-shirt, Felix projected a measured, steady confidence that suggested a performer comfortable in the limelight and eyeing larger stages.
His set was anchored by propulsive bass, particularly during the debut of a new track, "The Wait," which showed significant promise. Unfortunately, the audience was forced to squint through the set as high-intensity spotlights were flashed directly at the crowd during each chorus. The highlight remained the latest single, "Carnival," before Felix closed with "Don't Cry," a well-constructed piece that built toward a rousing finish.
Balancing Act took the stage with an identical five-piece configuration. Frontman Kai Roberts, appearing in a suit that mirrored the previous act’s sartorial choices, maintained a pervasive swagger.
Beginning with the rhythmic punch of "Sunshine" and "Scar." The band’s sound is built on intricate guitar work and Roberts’ distinctive vocal delivery. The mid-set performance of "Laylow" saw Roberts descend from the stage and immerse himself in the crowd.
Roberts has a natural command of the room; early in the evening, he successfully orchestrated a synchronized "two-step" across the packed floor.
Musically, the night peaked with "The Breaks." The band was tight, particularly during the atmospheric "Bonneville Salt Flat Jive" and the mounting tension of "Before I Shoot."
For the final segment, the performance shifted into a higher gear. Matt Felix returned to the stage, this time taking his place at the keyboards for a collaborative finale.
As the band launched into the closing tracks, confetti cannons were deployed and a drum solo provided a bridge into the final crescendo. By the time they reached the closer, "All Yours," Balancing Act had confirmed their status as a polished, highly functional unit. Balancing Act are clearly a band on the rise.
Setlist
Sunshine
Scar
A Little More Time
It Girl
Loaded With Pearls
Bonneville Salt Flat Jive
By Miraculous Design
Wrapped Around Embroidery
Laylow
Cold
Before I Shoot
Talks a Lot
The Breaks
She Plays the Theremin
There's a Few of Us Still Here (With Matt Felix and Andy from Maiden Races)
All Yours
