REVIEW: Years & Years at Newmarket Racecourses

Despite the damp weather on Friday, August 16, Olly Alexander's enthusiasm was contagious.

The frontman of Years & Years greeted the crowd at Newmarket Racecourses and opened the performance with the lead single Sanctify of the latest album Palo Santo.

Its sultry lyrics were inspired by Alexander's past relationships with straight-identifying men, whose conflicted feelings he discusses in the song.

As an LGBT advocate, the singer often uses the topic as inspiration and has previously described the song as a celebration of homosexuality.

The next track, Shine, from their debut album Communion transported the crowd back to the band's early years and celebrates love with a euphoric and blistering chorus - it was no surprise the track ignited a frenzied reaction from the rain-sodden crowd.

The London-based synth-pop band are one of the UK's biggest breakthrough acts of recent years - and you can see why.

Their music, a blend of dance-fuelled beats and hip hop inspired hooks, is made all the more electrifying when combined with Alexander's impressive vocal range and fearsome falsettos.

Despite achieving multiple top-ten hits and several Brit award nominations, the band have remained humble.

Alexander chatted openly with the crowd and took hand-made posters from adoring fans.

READ MORE: "I used to bop to The Beatles, now I am in a film about them"

Midway through the set, Alexander introduced the talented band and mentioned his surprise at the success of Years & Years.

The band rattled through their expansive discography, from their recent feature on Jax Jones dance track Play to early hits like Desire and Worship while even taking time to dedicate the track Take Shelter to the miserable British weather that night.

Years & Years saved their most celebrated tune, King, for the finale, which was their first UK number one in 2015.

A fitting conclusion for a band who royally bedazzled the crowd.