Mouth Culture: A Homecoming Riot at O2 Academy

Born-and-bred Leicester alt-rock trio Mouth Culture returned to their stomping ground on their latest EP tour, delivering an authentic pop-punk riot at the O2 Academy. Home shows are always special for a band, carrying a unique energy when they return to the place where it all began, and Mouth Culture’s show on the 12th of November was no exception.

On a short but impactful four-date tour promoting their newest release, the Whatever the Weather EP, the trio brought vibrancy and liveliness to a dreary Tuesday evening in Leicester, despite a few hiccups along the way.

One of the most beautiful aspects of live music is its raw unpredictability, embracing messiness when things don’t go as planned. The scene was perfectly set, the crowd’s anticipation building as the lights dimmed, and the band’s new intro track filled the room. But as they stepped on stage... silence. The guitars and some microphones malfunctioned, cutting the rising energy in the room short. Yet the band didn’t let this faze them. Frontman Voss handled it with ease, cracking jokes and making light of the situation until everything was back up and running in no time.

Having seen these men perform multiple times, it’s clear they stand out in the scene through their stage presence. There’s an unmistakable familiarity in the way the band interacts with the crowd—it feels like chatting with old friends rather than simply watching a performance. This seamless blend of raw vulnerability and fun shines in both their music and their sense of community. With the technical issues resolved, the band launched into a high-energy performance that felt like a true celebration.

Their music is an unfiltered expression of authenticity, passion, and their collective creative vision, translating beautifully into their alt-rock nostalgic sound. The crowd couldn’t get enough, fully immersed in every note. The setlist was a mix of older songs, crowd-favorite hits, and fresh tracks from the new EP, offering something for everyone. Thoughtfully constructed, the set ebbed and flowed seamlessly, balancing punchy, upbeat riffs with slow, melodic ballads. It remained consistently fresh and engaging without overwhelming the audience.

Overall, this show was a true showcase of the band’s talents and pure love for music and their community. The Whatever the Weather EP is a testament to quality over quantity, and this short tour reflected that perfectly—a triumphant way to conclude their 2024 UK shows before heading off to conquer Europe.

Listen to Mouth Culture:

Image: band's instagram @mouthculture

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