FEVER 333 @ OVO ARENA WEMBLEY, LONDON 17TH FEBRUARY 2024
As the Ovo Arena Wembley, one of London’s most iconic venues, fills to near capacity, there’s more than a palpable buzz in the air. It’s not just for the headliners tonight, Enter Shikari, but also for many eager to see the newly invigorated Fever 333 for the first time.
Originating from Inglewood, California, Fever 333 stands out in the American rock scene with their dynamic fusion of punk, rap, and hardcore sounds. Since their formation in 2017, the band has been renowned for their politically charged lyrics and electrifying performances. Initially comprising Jason Aalon Butler (formerly of Letlive), drummer Aric Improta (Night Verses), and guitarist Stephen Harrison (The Chariot), Fever 333 set a high bar with their diverse backgrounds and musical expertise.
As the band evolved, so did its lineup, leading to the current ensemble, which includes the charismatic Jason Aalon Butler on vocals, Brandon Davis wielding the guitar, April Kae commanding the bass and backing vocals, and Thomas Pridgen providing the powerful drum beats. This refreshed lineup drives the band’s commitment to blending musical innovation with social and political activism.
Fever 333’s discography, though not extensive, is profoundly influential. It features the Grammy-nominated EP ‘Made An America’ (2018), their debut album ‘Strength in Numb333rs’ (2019), and the EP ‘Wrong Generation’ (2020). Each release marks a significant step in their artistic and activist journey, establishing their place in the contemporary rock world.
From their Inglewood roots to international acclaim, Fever 333’s story is one of using music as a catalyst for change. With a dedicated fan base and a reputation for unforgettable live performances, the band, led by Butler and complemented by the talents of Davis, Kae, and Pridgen, continues to be a powerful force in the rock genre.
Tonight, their entrance is nothing short of electric – they take to the stage with a mission, a message, and a monumental sound that immediately captures everyone’s attention.
The set opens with ‘Burn It,’ a track that sets the tone for the night – fierce, unapologetic, and explosively energetic. The band hits the arena like a tornado, smashing away preconceptions and levelling everything in their path. It takes seconds for the band to win over the Shikari fans, who soon sing along to the irresistibly catchy-as-fuck chorus.
‘Burn It‘ seamlessly transitions into ‘Only One,’ a furiously fast and downright angry song that draws as much from the early hardcore punk scene as it does from rapcore. The stage lighting this evening is pretty poor for such a monumental venue, with just the occasional bursts of white and red from above. I’ve seen far better in small grassroots venues up and down the country, so I guess they are saving any lighting spectacles for the headliners. ‘Made an America‘ follows, showcasing yet again the unique way they can marry hard-hitting rap with an earworm of a chorus. It’s clear Fever 333 isn’t just here to play music tonight; they’re making a statement, and the audience is hanging onto every word.
A poignant tribute during ‘One of Us‘ to the people of Palestine and the women in the audience marks a memorable moment. Bassist April Kae, transcending the role of a musician, emerges as an emblem of strength, perfectly syncing with Jason Aalon Butler’s commanding vocals and the gritty, relentless guitar riffs of Brandon Davis. Davis’s dynamic movements and guitar prowess add flair, while Thomas Pridgen’s thunderous beats anchor the sound.
The excitement reaches a fever pitch with ‘$wing,’ a song that has everyone in the arena singing along, a collective voice in a powerful chorus. The energy is palpable, almost tangible, and it’s clear Fever 333 has won over many new fans tonight with this performance.
‘Ready Rock‘, the new single, a homage to black artists who shaped rock n’ roll, is a revelation. It’s hardcore, hip-hop, and history all rolled into one tight track, and Fever 333 delivers it with an almost overwhelming fury and passion.
The set continues with ‘We’re Coming In,’ which hits hard as nails. They finish an all too brief 40-minute set with the explosive ‘Hunting Season.’ During the refrain of “You can’t keep us under your thumb“, Butler takes the time to climb to the first-floor balcony above the crowd and somersault into the sweaty throng, crowd surfing back to the stage, sealing the deal on an unforgettable set.
Intense, energetic, and politically charged, Fever 333’s performance feels like just the beginning of a revolutionary journey. They promise even more explosive, boundary-pushing music with a new album on the horizon. Get ready for the next chapter by checking out their new single, ‘Ready Rock‘.
Fever 333 _ Ovo Arena Gallery
