Making their way through the unusually quiet winding streets of Gloucester on Friday night, music fans could not be more excited about the spectacle they were soon to witness. And as they made the ascent up the stairs in the gloriously ornate Guildhall towards the gig venue, fans of indie heroes The Futureheads began to be taken by the buzz surrounding the event.
Following two crowd warming support band's, Sunderland's finest took the stage and ignited the room in a burst of youthful energy and cheer.
Opening with new album title track 'The Chaos', it was clear that even the band's fresh material would be a surefire hit. Throughout the strong crowd, the buzz could be seen to grow as heads bobbed and the jumping commenced.
With this effect in full force, the band ploughed through a mix of new album tracks, including instant crowd pleaser 'Heartbeat Song', and many old favourites, such as 'Robot', 'Skip To The End', 'Carnival Kids', and indie club gem, and fan's anthem 'Decent Days And Nights'. Eventually, the band's classic and finely tuned cover of Kate Bush's 'Hounds Of Love' was filling the compact room with chanting, jumping, smiles and even an impromptu mosh from the front rows. Just before launching into a highly requested encore, new album closer 'Jupiter' was unleashed, acting as a calming climax to an already dazzling night. So delicate was the track, that the band demanded the room fall momentarily quiet so that the trademark Futureheads layered harmonies could be created, and delivered to perfection, leaving the room in a daze.
The end of The Futureheads immensely energetic set fell in the form of veteran track 'Man Ray', which not only acted as a well polished closing song, but also displayed how respectful of the fans The Futureheads really are, having promised they'd play the song after the request was made.
The most impressive and significant element of The Futureheads performance that simply cannot be ignored is the band's tightness, and the manner in which they manage to emulate their finely crafted studio tracks, with the precision of a band that have been wowing crowds for much longer then they have. This could be clearly seen during 'The Connector', another new track, which instantly sounded as if it had always been with us due to the band's live charm.
As the empty and usually gloomy Gloucester streets loomed back into view, a light seemed to radiate from all who had just shared the warming and energetic experience. It must also be noted that the venue itself, the Gloucester Guildhall, played a key role in the nights glory, with it's intimate, yet music orientated atmosphere and presence. Here's hoping for more fantastic events and acts to appear there more often, and soon.
As for The Futureheads; it would be safe to say that many a fan was generated that night, if they weren't already. Their energy and attitude was nothing short of enchanting, and managed to turn a relatively bleak night into one of optimism and heat, which stands as a true testament to the band, and their already strong legacy. The Futureheads remain an essential band to watch, and experience!
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