6th April 2008
Islington Carling Academy, London
No Use For A Name gave a vigorous, powerful and enjoyable performance at the Islington Carling Academy, resulting in the crowd leaving the venue breathless and on a buzz high. Whether you were a teen with your parent, hanging out with your mates, or a parent their supporting the passions of your child, no one could deny the atmospheric pressure and electricity running though everyone. It didn’t matter if you were a fan of the band, or just there in support of another, a great time was guaranteed.
If you had been supporting the band since their explosion into the crazy world of music back in 1987, or on the other hand if the music had only recently found its way into your heart, it was definite that you find something to sing along to on this occasion. The band went in all directions of their discography to sing something for everyone. From hits such as “Bright From The Jacket“, ‘Let Me Down’ and ‘I Wanna Be Wrong’ to covers of Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song‘, a Misfits cover and one that got EVERYONE in the audience worked up into a frenzy. The atmosphere became static when the lads performed a special rendition of the Pogues ‘Fairytale Of New York‘.
Some would say the best way to immediately catch and retain the attention of a live audience would be to hit them fast and furious with a well know sing a long number as an opener. True as it may be, No Use For A Name didn’t follow this method, and decided upon promoting the new album ‘The Feel Good Record Of The Year‘ through the incredibly catchy ‘Biggest Lie‘. Whether you had heard the new release or not, you couldn’t help getting attached to those infectious songs. The lads also rejected the normal encore as many musicians have within their set, stating this was just a way for bands to take a breath and waste time; to this I have to agree.
The entire set sent the crowd stark raving nuts by the end, but the beginning was another matter. One aspect that was very disappointing was the inability to make the microphones work. Matt Riddle was left for four songs screaming down a microphone with no luck in making his vocals travel the crowd, likewise Tony Sly have a few mishaps on the first track. Having said this, the lads overcame it quickly and never let it decrease the supremacy of the set. The show ended with an explosion, and the crowd left feeling knackered but pleased; these lads certainly know how to entertain.
Michelle Moore