London┬áGrammarÔÇÖs UK tour has been eagerly anticipated.┬á Solus is illuminated by a thousand smartphones; Cardiff waits to watch it through a thousand cameras.┬á ThereÔÇÖs a buzz of conversation, which unfortunately fails to subside even after Hannah ReidÔÇÖs opening note.

Although a complete sellout,┬áLondon┬áGrammarÔÇÖs live performance is not as gripping as expected. Reid is exceptional, and she sings beautifully, despite her obvious problems with the sound on stage.┬áÔÇÿIf You WaitÔÇÖ encapsulates everything the ÔÇÿ90s loved with trip-hop, but lacks diversity. Each song is of a similar tempo and melancholic tone, somewhat more suited to a post-heartbreak and self-pitying night at home.┬áLondon┬áGrammar┬áare perhaps unsuited to CardiffÔÇÖs SU, known for its unsavoury Saturday nights and undignified sportÔÇÖs socialsÔǪ

Ironically, their strongest moment comes through their cover of KavinskyÔÇÖs ÔÇÿNightcallÔÇÖ. The trio has thus far been carried by Reid; her vocal power and aura on stage are enough to justify a solo tour.┬á Dominic ÔÇÿDotÔÇÖ MajorÔÇÖs big hair has been more interesting than his role on synth and keys; yet he looks confident and comfortable playing drums. ÔÇÿThis is the only song on the album we recorded liveÔÇÖ, says guitarist Dan Rothman. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time tonight┬áLondon Grammar┬álook and sound like a band, rather than Hannah Reid with a backing track.

One cannot help but wonder where┬áLondon┬áGrammar┬áwill go from here.┬á In no way is this a bad response from a Cardiff audience, but the support isnÔÇÖt overwhelming, either.┬á At times, ripples of unrelated conversation in the audience can be heard louder than the band.┬á Is this the wrong music for the venue?┬á If so, the trio ought to alter their musical direction, consider writing an uplifting song or two.┬á Maybe itÔÇÖs fashionable to like┬áLondon┬áGrammar.┬á This is a sold out gig, yet most people are oblivious to the live music theyÔÇÖve paid to see.┬á Some even seem confused with the concept; comments such as ÔÇÿis that a REAL piano?ÔÇÖ will pierce the ears regular gig-goers for weeks on end.

Music aside, credit must go to the set designers and lighting team.┬á Aside from MajorÔÇÖs hair,┬áLondon┬áGrammar┬áare aesthetically sublime.┬á Their encore is visually stunning. This is at least one thing to feel happy about.