It’s only on stepping into Oran Mor that I realise this is something of a special gig. The Futureheads have seen their stock fall in recent years through lukewarm critical response to a solid third album and have been quiet on the touring front. It’s easy, then, to forget how wonderful a band they are and how great it is too see them play such a small venue.
Tonight’s gig is sponsored by Miller and saturated to near breaking point with Miller promos, Miller posters, Miller reps and Miller adverts. There’s even a free Miller with the price of admission. Still, the company’s commitment to live music can draw a good roster and before the main event we have the artists formerly known as Brother Louis Collective.
Admiral Fallow, as they are now known, provide a short set that whets the appetite but fails to truly engage. The songs are pleasant enough and build to beautiful crescendos, novel and intricate in a line-up that encompasses double bass and woodwind, yet there is something lacklustre about the overall feel. What’s missing is an energy, a passion for the songs – in fact what’s missing is something like The Futureheads and as they arrive on stage the difference is striking.
Whilst introducing ‘Le Garage‘ front-man, Glasgow resident Barry Hyde proudly declares that the band have been together for ten years – ‘twice the length of the average band!’ It’s not difficult to spot why. Le Garage is one of the first songs they wrote together and the four guys on stage perform it with all the excitement and vigour of a band who are glad just to have a stage for the evening. It’s an ethos that makes for a sparkling performance and a set that spans all four albums with ease.
Favourites like ‘Decent Days and Nights’ and ‘The Beginning of the Twist’ are warmly received and the tight guitar playing and even tighter harmonies are as impressive as ever. Hyde stops singing during Skip to the End just to marvel at the sound being produced by bassist Jaff and the enjoyment on the faces of all four on stage is wonderful to behold.
Material from the new album is filtered seamlessly into the set and impresses. ‘Heartbeat Song’, introduced as being the poppy-est song ever written in the history of the world ever, is unashamedly crowd-pleasing and charming into the bargain. But there’s a harder edge too; the ‘The Chaos’ snarls and shakes whilst ‘I Can Do That’ adds harmonies and a sing-along chorus to a punchy punk song.
The biggest cheer of the night comes, quite naturally, for ‘Hounds of Love‘ and the cover has the same power as ever. As a performance this is flawless and, with the reminder of such a strong back catalogue, it’s a memorable gig. The Futureheads might have becomes slightly forgotten in the grander scheme of things but there are few better live bands in the country and few who enjoy proving it just as much.
Pics: Alan Dunlop
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