Category: Music

The Roundhouse, London
25.10.09

It feels strange being at a venue with such an arty feel as hordes of kids circle the outside in anticipation of the brutal onslaught of music that’s about to rain down on Chalk Farm. Security, understandably, look a little fraught. Main support act A Day To Remember behave and are received like they could well be the main event in tonight’s proceedings.

Blasting out their emphatic amalgamation of pop-punk and hardcore, it’s quite easy to see why their record label have pushed the band as ‘pop-mosh’. There is an almighty frenzy in the main space downstairs with copious amounts of circle pits, fists pumping and heartfelt singing and chanting along to the band’s carefully considered catchiness. They put everything into the performance and certainly deliver to a crowd who are rapt on their every move and put as much energy into appreciating the band as the band put into their music making. It feels almost like a joint effort between band and audience and the night is off to a kicking start.

Not to be intimidated or outdone by their stellar support act, Bring Me The Horizon pull out all the stops tonight. Since releasing their ‘Suicide Season’ album last year, this is a band who have toured tirelessly and proved themselves to be every bit worthy of the massive following their music has generated across the world. The stage is set with lit-up letters ‘BMTH’ flashing to the rear and the band’s performance begins with the drums emerging from underneath the stage, hyping the crowd up as if they hadn’t already been going crazy to the band that was on before. Frontman Oli Sykes comes out dressed plainly (in stark contrast to many of the dayglo’d children in the crowd) and launches into ‘Chelsea Smile’ with everyone in attendance shouting out the words almost as loud as the sound system.

The energy in the room is immense and towards the end of the track, Oli launches himself into the crowd. Yep, during the very first song. The drums are on a significantly large riser with ramps going up either side so the rest of the band hurtle around the stage on both levels, meaning you don’t really know where to look, there’s so much going on. Most people present don’t look, they get involved, opening up pits and launching into each other, perpetually crowdsurfing, windmilling and the like. The onslaught doesn’t let up throughout the band’s set and it’s one of those shows that seems so much shorter than it is, just because it’s that entertaining.

Sam Carter from Architects makes a guest appearance for ‘The Sadness Will Never End’ adding yet another facet to the turbulent stage show and getting the crowd even more hyped. Continuing the theme of involving the crowd, Sykes invites everyone to join them up on stage. Kind of a recipe for disaster and things do spiral a little out of control when he’s engulfed by eager fans who manage to make it past the bewildered security. But the night is definitely ended on a high. Actually, it was just a whole series of highs fuelled by the band’s eager and committed performance that has no doubt been honed over their months of touring the world. The hard work pays off. this night was a sight and experience to behold.

Winegums.

Newcastle University – Newcastle-upon-Tyne
17th October 2009

As we start to say goodbye to summer and pave the way for autumn, I can think of no better way to welcome these cold, dark months than an audience with Britain’s cheeriest musician. Frank Turner has been slaving away at the musical grindstone for years, whether it was with Million Dead or on his own with an acoustic guitar, but as this University basement starts to fill up, I think all that work may have finally paid off.

The night kicks off with one man act Beans on Toast a down to earth British bloke, singing songs about all things relatable like being pissed off at shops putting Christmas decorations up too early. Even though he ended his set with some accordion based raps, provided some good laughs and sing-along’s from the crowd, old Beans didn’t really do much more than that for me.

It wasn’t until Fake Problems took the stage that things really started to get better, this band are pretty far from their home in Florida and they aren’t too well known over here, but after tonight I think they may have left an impression. As a band Fake Problems seem to know where they stand, sound wise they are well rehearsed and never made any mistakes, musically they have a definitive sound, which makes them really easy to get into and you don’t get lost off in sets. They are pretty uplifting to watch, especially their latest single “The Dream Team” which really makes heir set for me. Hopefully next time they visit people might be able to sing along to their memorable songs!

Finally the man himself takes the stage to the introduction of traditional English music, as he goes through the set the crowd loves him and he loves the crowd. Frank is a pretty traditional man, his music has a certain feel to it that almost makes you feel patriotic, and he speaks a certain honesty that everyone can relate to, almost like an English Conor Oberst. This room is pretty packed and I’m really glad that Frank is finally selling out venues; I think people forget how much of a vital cog he is to British music. Million Dead were one of a kind, the DIY ethics in his acoustic work and his constant touring and integrity really fly the flag for how a band should be.

One thing that really strikes me about Frank is how easily he makes the transition from him and his guitar to having a full band playing electric songs, something that not many musicians seem to master. He even pulls up a girl from the crowd to join the band by playing a harmonica solo, pretty cool if you ask me. The highlights of my night were his acoustic guitar solo (something he only did to express his rage at English politicians) and his cover of Million Dead’s “Smiling at Strangers on Trains,” which I’ve been dying to see him do every time he plays. I think most people have seen Frank Turner before, either at festivals or supporting a band who should be supporting him, and I think every time I see him he gets better and better, so after tonight I can’t wait to see him again!

Jonathan Teggert