N*E*R*D, contrary to what the acronym would suggest, are anything but. A band with three critically and popularly acclaimed albums, spanning genres of pop, rock and hip-hop, they also can count amongst their ranks a duo of producers that have practically defined the sound of modern R&B, hip-hop and pop. Add to this the fact that their frontman is an international tastemaker, fashion icon and successful solo artist in his own right, you could say N*E*R*D have a pretty loose definition of nerdiness.

On the 11th November N*E*R*D brought their unique sound to the Roundhouse, London. The prosaically named venue, quite possibly coolography’s favourite in London, is almost gladiatorial in scope: Circular, open, and with great views from nearly every angle, the space was perfect for bloodthisty fans ready to give the thumbs up or thumbs down to N*E*R*D’s own brand of musical violence.

Patient fans queued around the block, but the eager had to endure a considerable wait; no support acts were booked, although the warm up DJ did an admirable job in keeping the gathering crowds entertained. Interspersing the set with classic neptunes productions kept many hungry for more.

Finally, N*E*R*D burst on stage to the gritty bass of ‘Anti Matter’, the audience indeed confirming they “fuck around like you ADHD”. Though they appeared sans producer Chad Hugo, N*E*R*D affiliate Fam-Lay made up the numbers on stage.

Accompanied by a live band and a double drum kit (manned by dual drummers with a near robotic level of synchronisation), Pharrell exhibited a rock persona far removed from the suave cool associated with his R&B productions. Bounding around energetically, dressed in a simple polo shirt and cap, he transferred much of that energy to the more than compliant crowd. Writhing waves of crushing movement within the crowd cemented our decision to observe the performance from the relative safety of the elevated balcony (and proximity to the circle bar, where drinks could be obtained magnificently quickly).

With Pharrell’s expert crowd interaction, and Shay’s confrontational stances, N*E*R*D then proceeded to tear through their entire back catalogue, with mass sing-alongs punctuating their varied hit list. After a selection of ‘In Search Of…’ tracks, including ‘Bobby James’, ‘Brain;’  and ‘Provider’, N*E*R*D practically shook the Roundhouse to its foundations once fans heard the syncopation leading into ‘Rockstar’.

Surprisingly, in a short delve into current affairs, Pharrell refrained from the ubiquitous Obama shoutouts, but instead referenced the current economic climate, before targeting Wall Street with a poignant rendition of ‘Sooner or Later.’ Another highlight of the night was the near capacity 3,000 strong crowd singing in unison to ‘Fly or Die’s’ ‘Maybe’.

After a medley of ‘Seeing Sounds’ tracks, the crowd were teased, much like a lapdance, with the intro to likewise named ‘Lapdance’. After a premature crowd uproar, and playful jesting by Pharrell, N*E*R*D segued into their breakthrough anthem, which again caused the crowd to shake the Roundhouse to its core.

Pharrell then proceeded to grab fans from the frontline onto the stage, before the lucky assembled few began to actually spaz out to ‘Spaz’. Then it was the turn of the more than willing female fans from the crowd; after grabbing around a dozen of the fairer sex, Pharrell and stage companions made the most of infectious drums of ‘She Wants to Move.’

Making a swift exit, N*E*R*D then left the crowd expectant for an encore, but regardless of the most loyal chants, failed to make another appearance. Nevertheless, only the most cynical of fans would say that N*E*R*D failed to put on an amazing show.

As Pharrell put it himself: “The headlines should read N*E*R*D kicked a motherfucking hole in the Roundhouse!”

N*E*R*D

selected photos from Better Than I’ve Ever Been