Britpop Revival: Ocean Colour Scene Light up the South Coast in a Night of Psychedelia

·May 1, 2025

There is no denying that the announcement of the Oasis reunion has sparked a touring influx of bands since the summer. As a testament to the revival of Britpop and its enduring appeal, Ocean Colour Scene’s UK and Ireland tour in 2025 is set to make Britain dance, as the blend of psychedelic and alternative rock with indie and blues makes a powerful comeback. With a band that has achieved five top 10 albums and seventeen top 40 singles, rockers Kula Shaker have come to the South Coast to shake it to its core.

The stage for Kula Shaker was more a 60s temple than a 2025 scene, with flower wreaths, incense smoke and psychedelic projections filling the venue early on in the night. The band opened up the evening of Britain’s hottest date in the year with a unique fusion of rock and neo-psychedelia, captivating the audience that packed the venue with their Eastern-influenced sound. Their setlist included some of their most iconic songs — “303,” “Jerry Was There,” “Shower Your Love” — and classics such as “Tattva” and “Govinda.” The crowd was swinging along across all levels, making them a great opener act that left everyone eager for more.

Coming up next, Ocean Colour Scene delivered a set that showcased brilliantly the long and illustrious career they’ve had as a band. Starting of with “The Circle,” the band was met with enthusiastic singalongs since the first note echoed among the audience. The band has great chemistry on stage and knows how to deliver a good set, showing why they remain one of the best live acts in the UK. Before going to the gig, I expected to be the youngest person in the venue — yet, I was proved wrong. The band has pulled people across all ages, from seventeen to seventy and beyond, showing that they are a band that appeals through all generations even today. The energy of the audience, especially during the band’s most iconic tracks, created a sense of unity and nostalgia that is a rare sight.

The setlist spanned across the band’s greatest eras – from “One for the Road,” “Go to Sea,” ‘Profit in Peace’ and the iconic anthem “Hundred Mile High City,” to “The Riverboat Song,” “Get Away” and of course “The Day We Caught The Train.” Each song was met with singalongs, dance-alongs, phone lights in the air and an audience that connected with the band through their timeless music. Ocean Colour Scene are set to continue their tour in the UK and they are definitely a band that needs to be watched live this year.