Gig Review: Kosheen – Dorćol Platz, 19.10.2024.

If you were lucky enough to be at Dorćol Platz in Belgrade on October 19, 2024, for Kosheen’s concert, you know it was one for the books. The atmosphere was electric from the get-go, and as soon as Sian Evans walked onto the stage, the connection between her and the audience was immediate. There’s something magical about seeing a band in a more intimate venue like Dorćol Platz, where every beat, every note feels personal, and Kosheen made sure to give their all.

They kicked off the set with “Damage,” and it was like a shot of adrenaline to the crowd. You could feel the energy bouncing off the walls as Sian’s voice soared effortlessly above the beautiful soundscapes and driving beats. It was the perfect opener, dark, intense, and full of that signature Kosheen grit. Sian’s stage presence was undeniable from the start, she owned the stage, interacting with the audience, making you feel like she was singing to you and you alone. As the band rolled into classics like “Overkill” and “Hungry,” the crowd was already in sync, moving to the beat, hanging on every word. Sian’s vocals were pitch-perfect all night, her voice oscillating between raw emotion and controlled power. When they played “Addict,” she leaned into the darker, moodier vibe of the track, giving it a depth that made it feel even more intense live. It’s one thing to listen to these songs at home or on your headphones, but seeing Kosheen live brings out a whole new layer of emotion. You could tell Sian was feeling it too, her delivery was wild, sincere, and absolutely mesmerizing. “All In My Head” was one of those moments when everyone was singing along, and Sian didn’t hold back in feeding off the energy of the room. Her voice was as strong as ever, showing an impressive range that left the crowd in awe. And it wasn’t just the music, the way she connected with everyone, the way she talked to the audience between songs, made the night feel even more special. She wasn’t just performing; she was sharing something real, something raw. As the night went on, they dove into newer tracks like “Recovery.” This song might not have the same history as the older hits, but the crowd was just as invested. It’s hard not to be when Sian sings with such conviction. She took her time with these tracks, letting the emotions sink in. During songs like “(Slip & Slide) Suicide,” the room was pulsing with energy. You could see people getting lost in the music, eyes closed, just vibing to the dark and hypnotic beats.

But, of course, the biggest reactions of the night came when they played their classics. “Hide U” had the whole place going wild, hands in the air, and Sian’s vocals were nothing short of epic. That song, with its iconic beat and haunting melody, still hits hard, and hearing it live reminded everyone why Kosheen became such a huge force in electronic music back in the day. “Catch” was another massive moment, with everyone shouting the lyrics back at Sian, who was clearly loving every second of it. These tracks haven’t aged a day, they still bring the same intensity and emotion as they did when we first heard them years ago. As if the setlist wasn’t enough to keep the crowd buzzing, Kosheen threw in a curveball with Sian’s hit collaboration with DJ Fresh, “Louder.” It was the perfect closer, high-energy, with a pumping beat that had the entire room dancing. It’s one of those songs that just feels right in a live setting, and Sian belted it out with everything she had left. By the end of the night, you could feel the collective high in the room, people were happy, satisfied, and buzzing from the experience. Kosheen’s performance at Dorćol Platz was magical, to say the least. Sian Evans was on fire the entire night, delivering not just perfect vocals but a stage presence that was captivating and full of heart. The band was tight, the setlist was a killer mix of tracks from their 25-year-long career, and the atmosphere was electric. Kosheen still knows how to put on a show that feels fresh, even with songs we’ve been listening to for decades. If you weren’t there, you missed out big time.

This night will stay with us for a long time, one of those gigs where everything just clicks. Kosheen brought their A-game to Belgrade, and it’s safe to say that everyone who was there left with a new appreciation for this iconic band and their fearless frontwoman.