A couple of days ago, I found myself wondering why I didn’t understand rock music. I didn’t understand how you could be moved by it; I couldn’t hear the lyrics or relate to them. Lyrics, to me, resonate through your body with the deep sensations of emotion. That was what I valued so deeply about music, and particularly live performances. But of course I was wrong, as I often am. Bôa, in the huddled hall of the Northcote Theatre, furnished with its intricate crown moulding and hazy beams of blue and red, set the scene for a night that would prove me deeply wrong. The band Bôa, accompanied by Loose Content, were as great a display as any of the way in which music moves.
Loose Content opened with a resounding stage presence; gritty and punchy. The vocals were varied, with the Aquila Porter adding a certain depth to MiLLa’s lead vocals. The band played their new release ‘Where The Hollow People Sleep’, which is a melting pot of dulcet melodies and punchy, chaotic guitar and instrumentals.
Bôa took to the stage before an audience brimming with audible excitement. The London-based alt-rock band, best known for their ethereal alternative rock, kicked off their highly anticipated "Whiplash Tour 2024" with a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. After years of anticipation, their return to the stage proved that they’ve not lost a step, and in fact, have only grown more refined and captivating in their approach.
From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that Bôa were there to make a statement. Opening with ‘Deeply’, the band immediately set the tone for the evening—dark, brooding, and intense, yet tinged with moments of delicate beauty. Their setlist was a perfect blend of old and new material, with fan favorites like ‘Duvet’ and ‘Twilight’ receiving thunderous applause.
Vocalist and frontwoman, Jasmine Rodgers (who continues to command the stage with a quiet but undeniable intensity), navigated her vocal range with ease—alternating between haunting, almost whispering tones and the full-bodied energy required to carry their heavier, more propulsive tracks. Songs from the new album showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with power, effortlessly slipping from breathy, atmospheric moments into full-throated rock anthems.
The band’s musicianship was impeccable, as always. Guitarist Steve Rodgers was particularly outstanding, adding textures that built the foundation for Bôa’s cinematic soundscapes. Whether it was the shimmering, oscillating between almost crystalline guitar work to heavy, distorted riffs, his performance consistently kept the energy high.
The crowd was rapt from start to finish. Jasmine frequently spoke to the audience, a disbelief at the new generation of Bôa lovers tinging her tone. There was a warm atmosphere, where they seemed genuinely grateful for the continued and new support for the band over the years.
Bôa’s "Whiplash Tour 2024" proved that they are a band still in their prime, blending emotional depth, sonic experimentation, and excellent musicianship in a live setting that is rare to see. The tour isn’t just a celebration of their past, but a bold step into their future.