Atlanta rockers Third Day, live at The Forum, Kentish Town, London, reviewed by Jacob Bengtsson.

Third Day Live At The Forum, Kentish Town, London

After an impressive warm-up performance by country/pop singer Brian Houston, Third Day energetically entered the stage and ignited the crowd with "I Got A Feeling". Returning exactly one year after Third Day's last London performance, singer Mac Powell exclaimed that this gig was the one they had been looking forward to the most throughout the whole year. And indeed they seemed to enjoy every bit of it, pulling off the first three songs at a fast pace. The band kept interacting with the audience and during "Come Together" fans were invited up to grab the microphone during the verses. The gig resumed with Powell praying for the concert; it is clear that Third Day are not just a rock band in a Christian coating, but a group very much dedicated to ministry. With both humour and seriousness, Powell encouraged the audience and pointed to the importance of always putting God first. As Third Day's tour pastor said before introducing the band: "If you come only for the souvenirs, you are missing the point."

The ensuing songs displayed the band's softer catalogue and further established what a fantastic live band Third Day are. Powell's distinct voice is impressively powerful and the band have that tight collaboration which betrays vast touring experience. Third Day excel at their slower songs which really stand out as powerful complements to their groovy rock repertoire. The concert peaked at "Light At The End Of This Tunnel", a hope-inspiring song from their forthcoming album, and a second atmospheric peak was reached during "God Of Wonders" when the whole crowd joined in to sing "Halleluiah". Returning to their rock selection, Third Day finished with "Black Bird" only to be called back to an encore before even having left the stage. The band concluded with their brilliant interpretation of Psalm 36, "Your Love Oh Lord".  CR

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