Photos by Rachel June
October Drift’s recent show at London’s Scala was not just another tour stop; it was the closing crescendo of a nationwide sweep that proved, without a doubt, this band knows how to leave an audience reeling. As I arrived at the packed venue, a thick atmosphere of excitement hung in the air, the type of anticipation that only builds when a group like October Drift is set to unleash their kinetic energy.
Meeting with Kiran Roy (vocals/guitar) and Dan Young (guitar) before the show, I got a glimpse into their journey. These two, along with Alex Bispham (bass) and Chris Holmes (drums/vocals), have crafted their path with grit, enthusiasm and as Kiran puts “a solid, community-rooted fan base.” The band’s story began in their teens when Kiran and Dan met at school. They were inspired by their college tutor, who owned a small studio and shared his passion for ‘80s music, introducing the band to sounds that would become core to their development. Kiran recalls spending hours at a local record store where a friend passed on new releases, “The National was a massive one for us,” he shared. This gradual yet steady build has defined October Drift’s journey; a merriment and persistence that their Scala performance celebrated with an explosive energy and authenticity.
As the first notes hit, it was like being struck by a wall of sound; a signature of their full-throttle style. Kiran, dressed in a white ensemble complete with vegan Doc Martens he received at a festival, had an Alex Turner-like swagger as he leaned into every strum. Each band member was as committed as the next: Dan brought his guitar work to the floor, shredding with abandon, while Alex’s hair flew in sync with the crowd’s surging energy and Chris, a steady anchor behind the drums, laid down relentless beats. Their sound held the kind of intensity that had each audience member, young and old, absorbed and reciprocating, arms thrown into the air, feet pounding with every beat.
During our conversation, Dan and Kiran admitted that London’s music scene took a while to catch on to October Drift. Other cities like Bristol and Manchester had initially embraced them, but in the last few years, London has not only caught up but surged. “Playing a nearly sold-out Scala feels like a major milestone,” Kiran told me. From playing to nearly empty rooms in the early days, the band’s journey to this level has been marked by tenacity and memorable moments. In a particularly vivid anecdote, Dan recounted a Glasgow gig where he, in a burst of passion, climbed onto a table mid-performance, only to slip on a spilled drink and come crashing down; “my guitar broke my fall,” he laughed, noting that while his pride took a hit, the show must go on.
Throughout the night at Scala, their connection with the audience was almost tangible. Kiran often ventured into the crowd, guitar held high, even scaling the sound and lighting box to get closer to the fans. At one point, he stood atop the rig, wire trailing down like an electric lifeline connecting band to audience. Although there may be a no-shoulder rule at Scala, I guess this goes past the book. There was a momentary hush between tracks, holding the room in taut suspense before they ripped back into another round, the crowd chanting for more. It was as if October Drift’s collective journey: years of touring, countless late-night drives and unpaid gigs had culminated in this explosive and triumphant moment.
While the Scala crowd was packed and heaving, there was no escaping the band’s ironic take on mosh-pit etiquette. Kiran, grinning, parted the crowd for a fierce drop. Their playfulness on stage only added to the raw intimacy of the night, which culminated in an intimate performance of ‘Like the Snow We Fall.’ Delivered in the heart of the crowd, with only Kiran’s mellow guitar and Chris’s soft tambourine. It felt less like a performance and more like a shared, emotional celebration.
Amidst our chat, the band shared a quirky detail about a quirky beverage; a concoction dubbed the “Fizzy Mary,” a lager and tomato juice mix. Perhaps it’s a taste best left to the brave, much like the band’s relentless drive. As I left, I couldn’t help but think that for October Drift, Scala is just another stepping stone. Their dream venues may still lie ahead in the O2 or Madison Square Garden but after tonight, it’s clear they’re primed for those grand stages. Here’s to October Drift, conquering new ground one electrifying show at a time.
With Blame The Young, their most successful album yet, the band is reaching new heights. Released at the end of September, it climbed to No. 25 in the UK Album Sales Chart and No. 12 on the Independent Albums Chart, with standout singles like ‘Tyrannosaurus Wreck,’ ‘Demons’ and ‘Wallflower’ getting major airplay on BBC 6Music and Radio X, as well as strong spins across the U.S. and Europe. This Scala show marks their biggest headline gig in London to date and wraps up their UK tour, but they’re just getting started. In a few weeks, they’ll embark on their first-ever headline tour of Europe, pushing into new territories and growing their devoted fan base one sold-out show at a time.
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