While few Mexican artists end up becoming household names in the UK, this band might be on course to do so. The last time they played the capital was in 2024 when they impressed with a raucous performance at the Forum in Kentish Town.

Thursday night’s affair signifies a notable upgrade. It’s a pulsating setlist comprising of eighteen numbers and an encore of two, an enticing display, in which Villarreal Vélez sisters Dany, Pau and Ale take things to a new level.

There is vital interaction across the set. Finding a minute or two to chat between songs, the Monterrey bred band explain in polished English what it means to return to the capital, how it feels to play to a reactive audience, they create real vibrancy that does not drop. 

With a fitting running order in support, the rhythm of the gig is suitably intense. As if designed to fit the mood of each song the band create paced nuances through subtle adjustment in speed and sound volume. 

The heavy metal stints of ‘S!CK’ and ‘Choke’ differ from the dark, more gothic foundation of songs like ‘Hell You Call A Dream’ and ‘Qué Más Quieres’, making for a stimulating dichotomy. The striking guitar lines of ‘Evolve’ sound Matt Bellamy-esque, and Muse are at least one of the influences that make up the group’s reference library. 

Marking the return to the stage for the encore with ‘Narcisista’ is an ideal way to begin the process of wrapping up, the stadium-ready, anthemic version is an indication of what might await them at one of the next career chapters.

Not often does a concert at the Academy contain such raw boldness, yet felt as intimate as this one, it only goes to show the extent to which the nature of a given artist or band determines what qualities are added to the mix. The Warning possess the distinct qualities, it’s been a pleasure to spend close to 90 minutes with them.  

Words by Susan Hansen

Photography Chris Refraz Eycott