Wednesday 1 April 2009, Last.fm Event
The first support band were a local band from Wilmslow called Drive Like I Do. They played some upbeat and definitely danceable music. Almost to demonstrate their skill, they closed with an epic 5+ minute post-rock number. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a first of two support act for such a long time, these guys will definitely go on to good things.
Unfortunately, they don’t have any music available for public consumption yet, hopefully this changes soon.
Next up was Birmingham’s finest, Johnny Foreigner (who remind me of past-departed band Help She can’t Swim). With the coolest female bassist since Julia from Million Dead, Jofo have got the knack of horribly catchy but very cool pop-rock songs down to a tee. Additional credit goes to drumming with one hand whilst playing the keyboard. The band have one of those catalogues that seem to thrive live, bashing out (mostly) sub-3 minute song after sub-3 minute song.
Despite only having one full-length release under their belt and being a support act, there seemed a large contingent of the audience that knew all the words. If you get the opportunity to catch JoFo live, do it, and take your dancing shoes.
Downloads:
Lea Room from Waited Up Til It Was Light
Salt, Peppa and Spinderella from Waited Up Til It Was Light
The headline act was Hundred Reasons. I’ll admit, the main attraction of the gig was for massive nostalgia purposes. HR either toured or supported, or were supported by, all my favourite bands about the time their first album was out. And what a first album.
Usually these sorts of “comebacks” result in a sort of cheap exploitation, you go on the promise of the songs you know and love and end up with a face full of weak new material. Thankfully, HR were having none of this (if you don’t count the re-release of Quick the Word, Sharp the Action), and played great song after song.
Perhaps Hundred Reasons aren’t as pertinent as they used be, but it sure was fun being reminded of the time they were.
Downloads:
If I Could from Ideas Above Our Station
Silver from Ideas Above Our Station
Kill Your Own from Kill Your Own
