The View’s gig in London last week wasn’t just a throwback to the mid-2000s music craze, it was a full-blown resurrection. Back in those days, I was knee-deep in the music biz stateside, witnessing UK bands like The Zutons, Kasabian, and of course The View, trying to strike gold in the US. It was a hit-and-miss game, mostly misses, if we’re being honest. The View, with their Scottish roots and Libertines-esque sound, caught everyone’s attention with “Same Jeans” and their debut Hats Off to the Buskers. But like many others, they were just a blip on the American radar.
Fast forward to the present, and a chance encounter with an article about The View reignited that old spark. Learning of their onstage “brotherly bust up,” I knew I had to catch them live before any potential split. Scala in London was the perfect setting, a sold-out show pulsating with energy and anticipation. From the first note to the last, it quickly became apparent that this was one of those cases where the record Hats off to the Buskers didn’t capture the magic and energy of the live show. It’s night and day to me, maybe it was the major label polish or maybe it was digital trumping analogue.
Seeing The View in 2023 is like watching a band reborn. On stage, they radiate a confidence that teeters on the edge of cocky, yet somehow, it suits them perfectly. Gone are the days of leaning on their past hits. Instead, they’re dishing out fresh tracks from their latest album Exorcism of the Youth. Among these, “Dixie” is a standout. Kyle Falconer has morphed into a master of pop anthems, crafting songs that grab you by the collar and demand your attention.
This wasn’t one of those gigs where everyone was waiting for that one hit song. The audience was there for the ride, start to finish. Every new song built on the last, and by three-quarters in, the place was electric. The jam-packed crowd looked to be on the verge of a full-blown pit at every second. They ended without an encore, and honestly, they didn’t need one. They’d already proved their point.
Here’s the kicker: I walked in half-expecting a nostalgia act, but I walked out with what might be my favourite album of 2023. The View’s not just a band from the 2000s; they’re a damn good band, period. They’ve got that rare ability to evolve, to grow up without growing old. It’s like they’ve been this sleeping giant, and now they’re awake and ready to stomp all over anyone who wrote them off. So, to anyone still clinging to their early stuff, wake up—you’re missing out.
The View was just announced as support for the massive “30-year Definitely Maybe” Liam Gallagher tour happening next summer, and I can’t wait to see these guys again on a proper big stage.
