Last night at Oslo Hackney, I witnessed one of the best live performances I’ve seen in a while. The excitement was palpable as the doors opened and fans eagerly filed in. The venue’s size struck the perfect balance—large enough to reflect the band’s growing success but intimate enough to create a personal connection between the performers and every fan in the room.
Photography: Aryan Jafri
Youth Killed It kicked off the night with a strong opening act. Although the crowd was still trickling in, those present were fully engaged, with some fans already singing along to every word. The energy spread quickly, sparking dancing across the venue. I have no doubt that everyone who saw them last night left as new fans. Their future looks bright.
Next up was SLANG, who instantly won the crowd over with their infectious energy and witty banter. Frontman Dan Dare kept the audience engaged, while the band touched on topics like intoxication, past relationships, and the pitfalls of social media. Their song “Alcoholic” had the entire crowd singing along—it was clearly a fan favorite.
By 8:45 pm, the moment everyone was waiting for had arrived: The LaFontaines took the stage. From the first note, their performance was the most energetic and invigorating show I’ve experienced. The crowd’s cheers were deafening, and once the music started, I finally understood why they have such a dedicated following. I’d heard good things about their live shows, but what I saw was beyond anything I expected.
The crowd was in perfect sync—jumping, dancing, singing, and rapping along to every song. I overheard a few fans talking about attending multiple shows on this tour, and it was easy to see why. The LaFontaines’ music is the kind you want to listen to on repeat—rave-worthy and bursting with energy. It was clear the band loved every second on stage, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Frontman Kerr Okan stood out as a truly unique performer. His ability to hype up the crowd was unmatched, and his interactions with fans took the show to the next level. He didn’t just talk to the audience—he became part of it. From playful banter with those who started chants to asking the crowd to clear a space so he could rave with them, Kerr’s energy was electric. He even climbed onto the bar at the back of the venue, continuing to flawlessly deliver the song while the crowd went wild. I’ve seen artists crowd surf and stand on barriers, but I’ve never seen one dive into the audience and headbang alongside the fans.
The entire concert exceeded all my expectations. The LaFontaines set the bar incredibly high for future gigs, and I’m sure everyone in attendance felt the same way. If you haven’t seen them yet, I highly recommend catching one of their remaining tour dates. It’s an hour and fifteen minutes of pure, unfiltered energy and unforgettable music. I guarantee you’ll have an incredible time—and like me, you’ll leave telling everyone you know about The LaFontaines
