Review: Sonic Symphony London 2024
Sonic Symphony's performance last night at London's Hammersmith Apollo was an electrifying celebration. The concert delivered a fantastic evening of entertainment.
The orchestra, despite being occasionally drowned out by the enthusiastic audience, showcased the Sonic soundtracks' timeless melodies with finesse. Shota Nakama and Tomoya Ohtani performances, as always, were a masterclass in musicality. TJ Davis and Richard Jacques surprise Sonic R medley was the undisputed highlight of the evening - more on that in a bit.
Setlist: A balancing act with potentially too much Frontiers
The 2024 setlist offered a change from the previous year, introducing dedicated segments for Shadow and Knuckles, a new Sonic Heroes medley, and a notable focus on the Sonic Frontiers soundtrack. However, these additions came at the cost of beloved classics like "What I'm Made Of...", "Knight of the Wind," and "Open Your Heart," as well as the orchestral renditions of Sonic CD and Game Gear tracks.
While the new inclusions were appreciated, the heavy emphasis on Sonic Frontiers' music felt somewhat unbalanced. The absence of many Crush 40 classics was a shame. This could’ve been because Jun Senoue was unable to attend due to commitments at the Tokyo Game Show but I would’ve been happy with the musicians in attendance covering those tracks in his absence.
The removal of the Sonic CD medley is understandable from an orchestral arrangement perspective. However, the Game Gear medley's omission was a real shame.
Overall, I understand that a returning global tour needs to be freshened up here and there, but future iterations could benefit from a more balanced selection that caters to a wider range of fan favorites. If an audience member hadn’t played, or wasn’t a fan of, Sonic Frontiers then almost 50% of the setlist wasn’t for them.
See the full set list here.
Venue and Atmosphere: A Rock Concert Vibe
The move from the Barbican to the Hammersmith Apollo significantly altered the concert's atmosphere. The classical ambiance of the former was replaced with the high-energy, rock concert-like environment of the latter.
While the crowd's enthusiasm was undeniably infectious, it often overshadowed the orchestral performance, particularly during Act 2. The orchestra, relegated to a supporting role, struggled to be heard over the 3,500-strong sing-along.
Even the band's instruments were often drowned out. This created a somewhat conflicting experience for those who attended primarily to appreciate the musicianship, highlighting a potential disconnect between venue choice and the desired concert experience.
Sonic R Medley: A Show-Stopping Surprise
The undisputed highlight of the evening was a surprise Sonic R medley featuring live performances from TJ Davis and Richard Jacques. Kicking off with the iconic "Can You Feel The Sunshine," the medley transitioned seamlessly into "Living In The City."
The crowd erupted, singing every word in unison with TJ Davis, whose vocals were nothing short of phenomenal. The medley culminated with the high-octane "Super Sonic Racing," bringing the energy to a fever pitch.
The joy radiating from all the performers, especially Richard Jacques and TJ Davis, was infectious, making it a truly unforgettable moment. Their chemistry and passion were palpable, leaving the audience hoping for more such collaborations in future Sonic Symphony performances.
Conclusion: A strong 8/10 with areas of improvement
Sonic Symphony London 2024 was, overall, a thrilling musical journey through the Sonic discography. The concert's high points, including the stellar performances and the unforgettable Sonic R medley, were undeniable.
To reach a perfect 10, future iterations of the concert could benefit from a more balanced setlist and a venue that allows the orchestral arrangements to truly shine. However, even with these considerations, the Sonic Symphony remains an unmissable experience for any fan of the Blue Blur.
Thank you Sonic Symphony. See you again next year hopefully!
