Caskets - Live Review

Caskets at the O2 Academy Oxford: A Night of Emotion and Power

On February 26, 2025, Caskets brought their soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics to the O2 Academy Oxford, delivering a performance that was equal parts raw emotion and polished musicianship. As someone who was new to the band, I wasn’t sure what to expect - but by the end of the night, I was completely sold.

Caskets, led by the magnetic Matt Flood on vocals, have carved out a niche in the post-hardcore and melodic rock scene with their ability to blend vulnerability and power. Their music feels like a conversation - one that’s deeply personal yet universally relatable. Flood’s voice is the centerpiece, carrying an emotional weight that makes every lyric hit just a little harder.

The band’s lineup also includes Benji Wilson on guitar, Chris McIntosh on bass, and James Lazenby on drums, each of whom brought their own energy to the stage. Together, they created a sound that was both expansive and intimate, pulling the audience into their world.

Caskets’ setlist was a carefully crafted journey, moving seamlessly between moments of introspection and bursts of cathartic energy. They opened with Guiding Light, a track that feels like a beacon of hope, before diving into the darker, more aggressive Hate Me.

Drowned in Emotion was a standout moment, with Flood’s vocals soaring over a backdrop of shimmering guitars and pounding drums. The song’s lyrics raw, honest, and deeply human seemed to resonate with the crowd, many of whom were singing along with their hands in the air.

And then there was Glass Heart, a track that feels like the emotional core of the band’s sound. It’s a song about fragility, about the cracks we try to hide, and hearing it live was nothing short of breathtaking.

One of the things that struck me about Caskets was their ability to connect with the audience. Between songs, Flood took the time to talk to the crowd, sharing stories and expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received.

The crowd, in turn, was fully invested. There was a sense of community in the room, a shared understanding of the emotions that Caskets’ music taps into. Whether it was the anthemic Signs or the introspective Lost in Echoes, the audience was right there with the band, singing, swaying, and feeling every note.

Caskets’ show at the O2 Academy Oxford was a revelation. As someone who walked in unfamiliar with their music, I left feeling like I’d discovered something truly special. Their ability to blend vulnerability and power, intimacy and grandeur, makes them a band worth paying attention to.