“As the set progressed, the energy evolved, with big song singalongs, and softer songs bringing heartfelt moments.” - RKS, O2 Academy Brixton, London - Show Review - By The Fans Magazine

Words, Review & Photography Credit: Moira Reilly

With support from Cigarettes at Sunset.

Cigarettes at Sunset opened the night with a warm, kinetic energy that set the tone perfectly for what was to come.

Their vibe sat comfortably in the same emotional universe as Rainbow Kitten Surprise — moody, melodic, and full of movement — but with a playful edge that immediately won the crowd over.

They hopped around the stage with genuine excitement, clearly grateful to be on tour with RKS. Between songs, they shared stories with the audience, including a hilarious moment about being called the wrong name in bed — “Kyle owes me a drink!” — before launching into the next track. Charming, chaotic, a support act that didn’t just warm up the room, but genuinely connected with it.

By the time Rainbow Kitten Surprise stepped out, Brixton Academy was packed with screaming fans. The downstairs floor was crammed shoulder‑to‑shoulder, buzzing with anticipation. The first song triggered soft harmonies rising from the crowd, and a full‑venue singalong that set the scene for the night.

As the set progressed, the energy evolved, with big song singalongs, and softer songs bringing heartfelt moments, dancing and couples embracing.

The band was tight. Musically sharp, rhythmically locked‑in, and visually coordinated. Their stage performance was full of jumps, kicks, and connected moments, showing how synchronised the band are.

They spoke to the crowd with warmth, taking a moment to talk about creating a safe space — “What happens when we all love one another? Let’s find out together.” It softened the room instantly and set the emotional tone for the rest of the night.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s lead singer, Ela, moves with a kind of elegant fluidity — twirling and dancing across the stage with purpose. They used every inch of space, coming together during connected moments, breaking apart with a twirl or a kick, and constantly feeding off each other’s energy.

The lighting was dark, saturated, and atmospheric — deep blues, purples, reds, and pinks washing over the stage in thick, moody layers. It matched the band’s sound perfectly: vibey, emotional, and immersive.

They opened vibey and chilled and built steadily. One of the most intimate moments came when four of the band huddled at the front of the stage for a three‑song acoustic run — Black and White, Bare Bones, First Class. It was stripped‑back, tender, and a beautiful contrast to the bigger, bass‑heavy moments, with the whole venue singing along.

Then came the surprise of the night. “We’re going to do something we’ve never done before… because we’re in England.” They built the suspense, describing an album released in 2004. And then, the opening chords of the unmistakable, Mr Brightside. And the room erupted.

They followed it with When It Lands, which received an enormous roar from the crowd - vibey, bassy, and ending with the singer collapsing dramatically onto the stage.

A vibrant and heartfelt performance from start to finish, Rainbow Kitten Surprise delivered a show that felt intimate and explosive, and that the audience absolutely connected with.