Blaenavon: Heaven, 7th of April

Blaenavon took to the stage of London's Heaven to close their UK headline tour, they were joined by Fake Laugh and Anteros, plus a DJ set from Declan McKenna. Beginning only a few hours after the release of their highly anticipated debut album, the show was a fitting celebration of the work that has gone into 'That's Your Lot'.

Blaenavon released their first single 'Into The Night' back in 2013. Since then, there have been three EPs and a series of singles which have increased their fan base substantially, especially over the last few years. Meeting as teenagers, Blaenavon (now in their 20s) have taken four long years to release their debut album. However, time has clearly been well spent as the album is a masterpiece that has unquestionably been worth the long wait.

Ben Gregory (vocals/guitar): "'That's Your Lot' is five years of our lives condensed into 59 minutes of yours. Youth, capriciousness, duality, duplicity, love, bitterness, fate. Songs from the human core: some malleable, long considered - others pure, direct, cruelly honest. An album to bathe in and appreciate the inevitable end."

The crowd at London's Heaven were definitely ready to celebrate: from the moment the opening drums of 'Hell Is My Head' were played the venue erupted with cheers. 'Let's Pray' and the band's very first single 'Into The Night' follow the opener and the young crowd go crazy. Newer songs from ‘That’s Your Lot’ were received with similar enthusiasm; the first song on the album 'Take Care' already has a great portion of the crowd singing along, despite only being released hours prior to the show.

Ben took time to thank the fans for their support; 'That's kind of the reason we do it, it's for people like you. People that really give a shit.' before closing with the iconic 'Prague' during which a huge stage invasion left the band completely obscured from view by the middle of the song. Although Ben was left unable to sing towards the end of the song, this was offset by the hundreds of voices shouting along every word.

The night showcased just how far Blaenavon have come over the years and was the perfect celebration of 'That's Your Lot'. Ben, Frank and Harris have created something special; the future is looking very exciting for these three boys.

Photos by Phoebe Fox

http://www.shotbyphox.com/