What better way to start the week if not with a live concert? Mothica was coming to London with support from Nxdia and played at the O2 Academy Islington to an eagerly excited crowd. From the moment Nxdia entered the stage, we could see her connection with the crowd. Backed by drums and guitar, her set had the punch of a full band performance but kept the intimacy of a close friend opening up. The room was filled with familiar faces that were there for her as much as for Mothica, and we could notice them singing along and enjoying each word! Her stage presence stood out, not just for her voice but for the direct eye contact she maintained with fans throughout key moments in songs like “Dopamine” and “More!”, making even the largest room feel like a one-on-one exchange.
As soon as Mothica appeared, we knew what we were up to: the crowd’s cheer when she walked onstage was LOUD, and her outfit, a theatrical, off-white flowing dress, added an almost Victorian vibe to the night. Opening with “The Void” and “Toxins,” she pulled the audience into her world from the first note. Her set was carefully balanced between vulnerability and raw power, mixing tracks from Kissing Death with older fan favorites. A highlight came midway through with a haunting cover of “Can You Feel My Heart” by Bring Me the Horizon, her voice giving new weight to its emotional lyrics.
Throughout the night, Mothica made space to share parts of her journey, even reminding us how much she likes the free British museums: “It’s all stolen, but at least it’s free,” got a bit of a lighter mood considering most of her lyrics are quite heavy emotionally. But the set wasn’t solely heavy; songs like “Exit Plan” and “The Reaper” had people dancing, and the energy swelled again for “Another High” and “Oblivion for Two.” She also took the time for a quick stop and to celebrate Nxdia’s birthday!
The encore closed with mastery, with a fun combo of songs: “Casualty,” “All Star” (by Smash Mouth) that could be used on Shrek 5 as her voice fits perfectly with this song, and closing with “Sensitive.” It was the perfect way to end a set that explored pain, healing, and joy in equal measure.
GALLERY: Mothica at O2 Academy Islington in London, UK (June 15, 2025)
