Friendly Fires.
Engine Shed, Lincoln.
22nd November 2011.
As the lights went down, the cheers started and Friendly Fires burst onto the stage with ‘Lovesick’ and ‘Jump In The Pool’ both taken from their self-titled debut album and sparked plenty of dancing and movement from the crowd. Their long set featured plenty of songs old and new which fitted well together from ‘Blue Cassette’ and ‘True Love’ from second album ‘Pala’ to old classics like ‘On Board’ and ‘In The Hospital’. The amount of energy the band throw into their live shows is amazing, from Jack Savidge’s drumming to guitarist Edd Gibson’s lack of being able to stand still for any length of time and of course lead singer Ed MacFarlane’s captivating to watch dancing skills. All this makes them a brilliant band to watch and backed up with their strong back catalogue they make for one of the best live bands around at the moment. Slower songs such as ‘Chimes’ and ‘Pala’ are still greeted with a good reaction from the crowd who probably appreciate a few moments rest before the dancing resumes. Current single ‘Hurting’ and ‘Live Those Days Tonight’ adds the feel of a 80’s disco to the night and by the time the band finish on ‘Paris’ the crowd are well and truly in the party spirit. The St Alban’s trio have saved the best for the encore though as when they return they play two of their biggest songs to date, ‘Hawaiian Air’ and ‘Kiss Of Life’. The former transporting you to the beaches of Hawaii and the latter a full on carnival party feel, the perfect way to end the night on an absolute high. Even though it’s cold and November, the feeling inside the Engine Shed tonight was one of summer and carefree partying and as Friendly Fires left the stage it’s fair to say that not only did they put on an amazing show but they certainly cheered everyone in the room up with their upbeat pop songs that it’s impossible not to dance along to.
Mixtape Couture 