More Swagger Than Jagger; Maroon 5 Take On The Roundhouse
Published
After the recent release of their new album V, Maroon 5 headlined the iTunes festival on Thursday.
After capable performances from other pop artists Nick Gardner and Matthew Koma, Maroon 5 entered the stage. An effervescent Adam Levine showcased his impressive vocal range alongside his comic ability. Criticising the grammar in a sign saying "Can I lick you Adam", pointing out that the correct question was "May" and passing on the offer to a band member.
Howling and jumping at regular intervals, Adam Levine alongside the rest of the band brought the Roundhouse to life with a set list full of their greatest hits. Including:
"Maps" - The new single from the album V, although well performed and in line with the current direction of Maroon 5 being increasingly linked to pop, it didn't create the same level of excitement as other hits such as "This Love", though this could be because the crowd are not too familiar with the lyrics to this song yet.
"Moves Like Jagger" - Levine jumps to every chord at the introduction of the song becoming so out of breath through this that he stops the song and drinks some tea before continuing. Real fun pop track that the crowd enjoy because of its catchiness and energy.
"Payphone" - Performed as an encore song, it was uplifting and impressive as Levine showed incredible strength in his falsetto range.
"She Will Be Loved" - An acoustic guitar and voice beginning to this song, later followed on by the whole band version. Levine has the opportunity to provide more meaningful emotion into the song at the start, which acts as a refreshing change from the other tracks.
Although I would say that because so many hits from all their albums were played the performance failed to take the audience on a journey and was more comparable to the thrills achieved at a theme park. Despite arguably lacking emotional depth the songs were incredibly performed and led by an energetic crowd pleasing Levine, the Roundhouse was suitably entertained and it set a high standard for the remainder of the iTunes festival to try to match.
Written by Gervaise Miller
Photo credits: iTunes Festival, London 2014
