A very old review, dug up

Linkin Park at O2, 28/01/08

The rejuvenated Dome certainly is impressive, with its cinema, restaurants and 17,000 capacity arena, and though negotiating security takes a while, it is a while worth waiting. Entering into a huge bowl which puts Earls Court and Wembley to shame, the excited buzz of fans surrounds the standing area.

It has been a couple of years since Linkin Park were the hottest band around, but they certainly had no trouble dominating this venue; bounding around with exuberant energy, their stage presence is impressive, and lead singer Bennington has the arrogance of a true frontman.

This energy was their saving grace in a set which included almost the entire new album. ‘Minutes to Midnight’ is passable enough rock, but hardly compares to the raw innovation of ‘Hybrid Theory’ – yet tracks like ‘Given Up’ and ‘What I’ve Done’ were carried off with aggressive, immaculately rehearsed skill, corny lyrics and all.

It was the old anthems which stuck out though. There was scarcely a drop in volume as Bennington allowed the audience to do the work for him on ‘Numb’, and a couple of years off the radio has certainly refreshed ‘In The End’, their standout track of the evening.

A misjudged drum solo (what drum solos are not?), and a cover of Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’, in which Shinoda showcased his dubious skill as a pianist – and then forgot the words – are perhaps best forgotten, but this was an extremely professional performance, with slick changeovers, impressive lightshows and album-exact songs delivered by a mature band at the peak of their live performing skills. Wipe out the ‘Minutes’ material and it tips the balance into a great performance.

Support came from Biffy Clyro, who enhanced their reputation as an excellent live act. The new album has more crowd-pleasers, but they have managed to maintain the aggression and excitement which has seen them play T in the Park more times than any other band.