If you haven’t seen The Struts live yet, what the hell are you waiting for? After catching them for the sixth time at Camden’s Roundhouse, I can confidently say they’re only getting better. This co-headlining gig with Barns Courtney wasn’t just another show—it was a goddamn revelation.
From the moment The Struts hit the stage, it was clear the road has been more than kind to them. They were loose, they were tight, they were fucking glowing. Opening with the cocksure “Primadonna Like Me,” they steamrolled into “Fallin With Me” (possibly their best track since “Kiss This”) and then “Body Talk.” Three bangers, no breathers—that’s how you start a rock show, kids.
The setlist was a masterclass in pacing: “Too Good at Raising Hell,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “The Ol’ Switcheroo”—hit after hit, with nary a dull moment. By the time they reached “Kiss This” and “Could Have Been Me,” the crowd was putty in their hands. Here’s the kicker: The Struts have outgrown their time slot. They need two-hour sets, minimum. There’s just too much gold in their catalog now.
But let’s talk about the revelation of the night: Barns Courtney. I’d stumbled onto him through his guitarist, Andrew Martin (Palaye Royale, LP), and holy shit, am I glad I did. Courtney’s bringing a fresh energy to the scene, blending bluesy, swampy vibes with high-octane singer-songwriter chops. Think Black Keys with a touch of Faces—it’s rootsy, it’s raw, and it’s utterly captivating.
Now, Andrew Martin? This guy’s a sight to behold. He looks like he just stepped out of a time machine from Whitesnake’s monumental ’87 era. Big hair, bigger attitude, and riffs that could level a city block. But don’t let the nostalgic visuals fool you—Martin’s playing is the perfect complement to Courtney’s gritty, soulful sound. Together, they’re bridging decades of rock history in a single, over the top performance.
Courtney’s set was a rollercoaster of crowd-pleasers and soon-to-be hits. “1999” had everyone belting out every word, while “Supernatural” showed off a radio-ready polish that screams “breakthrough incoming.” “Fire” and “Glitter and Gold” were standouts, proving Courtney’s got the pipes and the presence to back up his ambition. The raw energy of his delivery, coupled with Martin’s larger-than-life stage presence, created a perfect storm of classic rock ‘n’ roll fury.
The Struts delivered a set that solidifies their status as one of rock’s most compelling live acts. Courtney, blending vintage inspiration with raw energy, proved he belongs on the same stage. Leaving the Roundhouse, ears still buzzing, it was evident both acts had made their mark. The night showcased The Struts’ continued evolution and Barns Courtney’s potential to shake up the scene.
BARNS COURTNEY
