A cool February evening in Cardiff, and a sense of eager anticipation in a sold-out Great Hall among fans of Easy Life, a Leicester quintet whose take on indie-pop has met with rapidly increasing popularity. Opening the show are Sad Night Dynamite, a Somerset two-piece who bring early-evening energy, albeit a type which isn’t quite my personal taste.

As Easy Life arrive onstage, frontman Murray Matravers immediately commands it with his distinctive voice and undeniable energy. The excitement is palpable when the set kicks off with 2022’s Growing Pains. The band’s instrumental faction is equally on point – notably, Sam Hewitt’s saxophone playing and octopus hat makes for a memorable sight that perfectly captures Easy Life’s quirky style.

As the night progresses, the band’s energy only continues to build, the crowd generating mad moshpits in response to hits like OTT, Sangria and Skeletons. Matravers even takes to crowdsurfing, bringing the fans even closer to the action. It wasn’t just the core Easy Life members who impress, either: they’re accompanied by a three-person brass band, who add an extra layer of richness and depth to the music. One of the brass trio follows the frontman’s example at the end and launches himself into the audience.

I’ve seen Easy Life perform multiple times before in Bristol and Leeds, and though their music truly thrives in a festival atmosphere, this set stands out as their best yet in my eyes. With their brilliant stage presence and unique sound, these Midlanders have cemented themselves as one of the most exciting acts in the current UK scene: can’t wait to see what surprises their next tour has in store.

Easy Life, Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 18 Feb

words AMY WILD photos OWIN WONG