No One Else Compares: Justice at Alexandra Palace

      Following their recent Grammy victory for Best Dance Recording, Justice continues their world tour promoting their fourth album 'Hyperdrama' with two performances at Alexandra Palace this week. This marks the duo's first headline concerts in the UK since 2017, and it's immediately evident that Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Auge are eager to impress. Their performance demonstrates a remarkable ability to enhance well-loved anthems with fresh material, showcasing Justice’s versatility as they refuse to simply fall back on their classics after two decades and four albums.

      The show opens with a vibrant rework of ‘Cross’ opener ‘Genesis,’ quickly setting the tone for an exhilarating mix of remixes and reimagined tracks that give new life and shapes to cherished songs. All the expected hits are present, including breakout single ‘We Are Your Friends,’ along with staples like ‘D.A.N.C.E.’ and ‘Stress.’ However, what captivates the audience is how de Rosnay and Auge weave these familiar songs into their set, keeping fans intrigued.

      As anticipated, many of the standout tracks from ‘Hyperdrama’ take center stage. A reimagined version of the standout track ‘Mannequin Love’ features a collaboration with UK group The Flints, whose excellent support enhances both nights. Additionally, Uffie’s lively vocal showcase from ‘Tthhee Ppaarrttyy,’ a track from the ‘Cross’ era that had been absent from live performances, seamlessly transitions into ‘One Night/All Night,’ the lead single from ‘Hyperdrama.’ Songs like ‘Helix’ and ‘Civilization’ from their often underappreciated second album, ‘Audio, Video, Disco,’ make a reappearance during the encore, while ‘D.A.N.C.E.’ is transformed into an emotional, slow-burning rendition. ‘Stress,’ a highlight from ‘Cross,’ remains a breathtaking high point, characterized by its chaotic sirens and dynamic red spotlights, reinforcing its essential role in their live performances.

      ‘Neverender’ also asserts itself as a vital part of the Justice repertoire, appearing in multiple forms throughout the set. Its initial extended version, which recently earned the duo their third Grammy, is performed in full before Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker's vocals lead into ‘Safe and Sound’ from the 'Woman' album. This song serves as a cornerstone for their previous live album, ‘Woman Worldwide,’ and the exuberant presentation of these two tracks makes it difficult to envision them performed separately in the future.

      Justice doesn’t fit the mold of traditional exhibitionists. While their showmanship shines through in powerful dance floor moments, it's the lighting that carries a significant part of the performance. The incredible visual artistry created by lighting designer Vincent Lerisson gives life to the stage through stunning configurations of lights that move in graceful patterns, accompanied by sharp bursts of color and illumination. The duo’s iconic cross emblem is also prominently displayed, dazzling the audience with sparkling LEDs. Though the music takes center stage, witnessing the duo perform with this visual setting makes it hard to envision them touring without such striking visuals.

      In conclusion, no one delivers a live show quite like Justice. Newcomers will surely be amazed by the visual extravaganza, while returning fans will appreciate the reinvented classics and new favorites. We eagerly await the live album.

      Words: Paul Weedon

      Photo Credit: Alex Crane