James Triumph at Llangollen with a Night of Indie Power and Emotional Resonance
- Desh Kapur
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2025 – Sunday 29th June 2025
IMAGES DESH KAPUR / WORDS SHARON CONWAY
The fourth night of the Llangollen Music Eisteddfod was a masterclass in live music, with each act raising the bar and leaving the crowd buzzing with energy and emotion. Headlined by the ever-evolving and always captivating James, the evening was a journey through the past, present, and exciting future of British indie.
Opening the night was the astonishing Tom A. Smith, who completely blew me away. I love it when I stumble across a new artist who makes me go wow, and Tom has talent in absolute bucketloads. At just 20 years old, you’d be forgiven for thinking he’s a newcomer—but his impressive résumé (which includes working with Miles Kane and praise from Sir Elton John) says otherwise. With effortless confidence and a relaxed stage presence, he completely drew the audience in. Comparisons to Declan McKenna are inevitable, but Tom’s individuality shines through, especially during his newest, unreleased track ‘What’—his most experimental and unique offering yet. His erratic, Mark E. Smith-style dance moves only added to the sense that we were witnessing the birth of the next wave of indie royalty. From anthemic highs to introspective lows, Smith’s performance was dynamic, emotional, and technically brilliant.
Next up were The K’s, the pride of Earlestown and a band whose star is rising fast. Already confirmed for a headline slot at Lytham Festival 2026 and with their new album Pretty On The Internet on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be their year—and tonight proved exactly why. With a tight, high-energy set packed with driving indie-rock anthems and punchy, stadium-ready choruses, they owned the stage. Despite James headlining, The K’s had clearly brought their own army of devoted fans. There's no forced showmanship here—just raw, authentic energy. Their set showcased a band comfortable in their skin and completely at ease commanding a crowd. As the anticipation for their upcoming album builds, The K’s look set to cement their place in the UK's indie elite.
Then came James, who brought the house—well, the big top—down. For me, they’re a band that just keeps getting better, and tonight was no exception. Tim Booth was magnetic, dancing, spinning, and at times literally reaching into the crowd, holding hands and encouraging audience participation. During the encore, he even made his way to the back of the tent, dancing and singing among the people. It’s that kind of connection that sets James apart.
The setlist was a perfect mix of deep cuts, newer material, and beloved classics. Sit Down, Laid, She’s a Star, and Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) turned the Pavilion into a massive singalong. But even the lesser-known tracks resonated deeply, showing the depth and emotional range that James continue to evolve with. Musically, they were flawless—tight, textured, and layered with richness. Their ability to continuously grow and innovate, while keeping loyal fans on board and attracting new ones, is no small feat. The sea of fans in daisy-print gear, old and young, was a testament to their multi-generational appeal.
From the raw potential of Tom A. Smith, to the full-throttle power of The K’s, to the transcendence of James, this was a night to remember. Llangollen nailed it once again—what a festival, what a crowd, what a night.
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