On a chilly London night, Lafayette became the perfect spot for a night of atmospheric indie pop as fans packed in close to see Cults, the American duo of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion. Known for their bittersweet blend of vintage pop melodies and darkly introspective lyrics, Cults made a big impression in 2010 with their breakout hit “Go Outside,” a song that somehow mixes sunny, infectious melodies with themes of loneliness and escapism. Over the years, they’ve built a loyal following for their ability to balance light and dark—pairing Madeline’s dreamlike vocals with layers of guitar, synths, and reverb-heavy production.

From the moment they took the stage, Cults commanded the room. They opened with “Abducted,” and any lingering question of whether their sound would translate live disappeared in seconds. Madeline’s voice, with its smoky, ethereal quality, was even more powerful in person. She has this star quality that’s magnetic without being over-the-top—she’s all about the music, not flash or theatrics, and it felt like every song was meant to be sung right there, in that moment. Her voice flowed effortlessly over each track, capturing the crowd with its delicate balance of softness and strength.

Their set moved smoothly between fan favorites and newer tracks, each one hitting with a different vibe but keeping the audience rapt. Tracks like “You Know What I Mean” and “Always Forever” were highlights, and in the small, close-knit setting of Lafayette, the layered instrumentals felt even more intense, creating this enveloping atmosphere. At moments, it was almost hypnotic, with Brian Oblivion’s guitar work and synth layers building a wall of sound that wrapped around Madeline’s vocals, adding both depth and grit to the dreamy melodies.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came with “Bad Things,” a darker, high-energy track that had the whole room moving and singing along with a kind of joyful abandon. You could see Madeline feeding off the crowd’s energy, flashing smiles and giving quick, heartfelt thanks between songs. She and Brian seemed genuinely thrilled to be there, making the whole night feel even more personal and memorable.

Seeing Cults live really brought out the magic in their music—the way they blend pop’s brighter side with something deeper, almost melancholy, a kind of nostalgia wrapped in a modern sound. If you ever get the chance to see them, don’t miss it. Madeline’s voice and presence take their sound to a whole new level live, making the whole night feel like an experience rather than just a gig.