If anyone ever needed proof that good music transcends time, the evidence is with English rock band bôa, led by beloved singer Jasmine Rodgers.
They kicked things off in 1993 and have amassed a cult following since their 2001 hit album Twilight touched the hearts of alternative youth, and continues to do so today.
The band last took Leeds in October last year, and seven months was long enough to warrant their return. This Tuesday, the quartet rocked up to Leeds University Union’s Stylus: a humble venue with impressive alumni. Fans were stacked out in the pit and on the balconies, eager to finally hear their adored tunes in live majesty.
For those familiar with the band’s discography, passionate screams toward the band did not cease for the whole night. But even those who only happened to know their supermassive hit “Duvet”, the music was well worth dancing along to; as it was accompanied with the odd tambourine, violin and epic guitar solo that spoke to the audience, and of course Jasmine’s heartfelt vocals.
Jasmine sings with the grace and whimsy of Björk, but with her own enchanting flair distinct from any other vocalist out there. Both in headphones and when performed live, the tone change in “Elephant” will absolutely ascend you as she sings: ‘We can go there, we can travel / Over the motorway, over the valley / All the way there, yeah / With your gentle spirit, I am not afraid’.
It’s no wonder the fans’ fervour did not die down for one minute, and the band seemed unfazed even with the odd interruption. For the alternative youth, bôa-ism seems to be almost like a religion, and these four aren’t going to stop their followers from enjoying themselves.
The energy was at an all-time high for songs like “Fool”, which featured a percussion-heavy ending instrumental, that all the band members and the audience absolutely relished.
Yes, bôa’s vibes are absolutely immaculate: slightly gothic, and always profound. What doesn’t need any finishing touches receives them anyway, and what was already great becomes brilliant with a band like bôa.
Soon, the time came for the main event of the evening; of course, how could bôa go one show without performing the fan-favourite? As soon as Jasmine opened with the line: ‘And you don’t seem to understand’, cheers soared through the roof.
“Duvet” doesn’t have hundreds of millions of listens across different streaming platforms for no reason. Infused with the distinct sound of the 2000’s, gentle guitars, and Jasmine’s magic ability to dance with her passaggio; the indie rock hit has been a classic for over two decades, and will continue to be so in years to come.
Photography by Maddie Armstrong.
