Peace, O2 Academy 2, Birmingham - review

On the final night of a 15-date UK tour to launch their third album, it was a triumphant homecoming for the ferocious four playing their psychedelic-tinged guitar rock to a full house at a hot and heaving O2 Academy 2.

The smaller room added to the atmosphere and may have reminded long-term fans of those early days in Digbeth, when the Worcestershire band set the city abuzz with their weaving guitars and Koisser's Bolan-like quavering vocals on their songs about 'lovesick losers'.

On a stage bedecked with flowers, Peace reigned supreme and there was plenty of love for them from the crowd who moshed from the off when Koisser and co. opened up with fans' favourites Ocean's Eye and Bloodshake.

In fact, they had been seen on stage earlier when they launched their own backstage invasion of the set by main support act Whenyoung to sing-along with the promising Irish trio, dressed in that band's favoured boiler suits.

Peace's 90-minute set featured lots of songs from all three albums. Highlights included their latest anthem Power, savage versions of Money and I'm A Girl, swaggering Shotgun Hallelujah, the soaring sonic delight of Higher Than The Sun, plus impressive new songs Silverlined and Kindness Is The New Rock 'n' Roll.

Harry in jeans and a silk red shirt - or was it a pyjama top? - was flanked by his brother Sam on bass and Douglas Castle on guitar, with drummer Dom Boyce sat behind propelling the sound.

The vocalist was in the mood to chat between songs and even invited 17-year-old fan Ed up on stage to celebrate his birthday.

He also performed a new version of old favourite Perfect Skin and a solo rendition of Float Forever before introducing California Daze and revealing that it had been written a stone's throw from the venue.

It ended where it began for Peace, with their indie rock classic Lovesick. Peace and love, the perfect combination.