Two decades and six albums has garnered The Futureheads steadfast loyalty that breathes life and love into the Rock City floorboards tonight. Although a ‘cult favourite’ of the indie scene, that queue rockin’ up Talbot Street begs to differ. Please welcome…
THE FUTUREHEADS
A modest but meticulous turnout of die-hard fans; reminiscent of the sweat infested, alcohol fueled indie scene of the mid ‘00s… and that’s just for local lads Cucamaras! With a legion of fans that have genuinely only turned up for their twenty-minute slot, we almost can’t blame them. A set full of fuzzy riffs and punk-infused freedom would leave anyone feeling more than satisfied it was money well spent; Cucamaras unleash some newer material to hollers and hoots, so we anticipate it won’t be too long before they’re headlining here themselves.
Du Blonde follow up with a more eclectic, art-rock set that – for those who are sticking around! – is equally as engaging. Despite a sparse turnout, the band played with all the vigour they could as if the place was packed to the rafters as, really, they deserve. Frontwoman Beth Jeans Houghton exudes confidence like it’s a life-affirming commitment. Remarkably ethereal in her gritty vocal delivery, the crowd have been invited into this fairy ring of electronic unpredictability; they’re infectiously blending everything from pop to punk to indie rock that it’s hard to hear something you don’t particularly resonate with. Genres are a dying breed, or so they say. With momentum like this, it’s clear that Du Blonde is on the verge of something big.
“Ey’up me ducks! Thank you for making us feel so welcome – it means a lot to see you all singing and dancing along!”
From the first note, The Futureheads have the crowd in the palm of their hands. A setlist that’s equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, they take a running leap into promising sing-along potential on The Beginning of the Twist. Raised fists and beers in hands silhouette the band in a lovely framing of love, bolstered by the repeated refrain of “I can feel it! I can feel it!” and boy, can you feel the love tonight. No theatrics, no elaborate staging: just a simple banner and their instruments declares their arrival, but it’s really the audience that welcomes them on stage.
Struck Dumb is one of those tracks that has a built-in catharsis. Heads nodding along to the staccato guitar twangs, we’re transported through time and tantrums (the anecdotal comedy duo of guitarists Barry Hyde and Ross Millard is a recurring theme, you quickly find out) with Decent Days and Nights and Radio Heart. The meaning of the latter track is one of “utter f**king confusion” according to Millard, leading Hyde to overly explain the thematic simplicities of every single song going forward. “This one is about a girl who’s got a radio instead of a heart…” or “This next one is about crime, so if that’s your particular kind of guitar music you’re in for a treat!”
“Nothing screams Friday night like a song about social anxiety that starts with a minimalist baseline, don’t you agree?” Enter bassist David Craig, we’re told on Benylin and vodka to keep his rotten cold at bay. Bless him, although a mutual agreement with the crowd appears as they gradually shake off their middle-aged rust, the first signs of movement from the centre of the crowd appear for I Can Do That.
“At gigs like this, it’s not uncommon for things to end up on stage – a prison lawyer business card is a new one?!”
A furiously aggressive rendition of Area propels this momentum further, with the balcony banisters vibrating and floorboards a flurry of stomping feet and raised arms… and then Beeswing. Truly biblical harmonies. Whilst their collected hits and the ultimate hit were incredible to witness live (and believe us, their rendition of Hounds Of Love remains untouchable), the most memorable moment came when the band downed tools and performed a cappella. Before doing so, of course, Hyde jokingly calls out to the rest of the lads: “Why are you tuning your guitar for this, you don’t play it…”
A Futureheads show is a very communal experience, with frontman Hyde and the rest of the band involved in constant banter with individuals throughout the show. They are cracked up by their own jokes and so are the crowd. They feel like a band of brothers.
THE FUTUREHEADS PERFORMED FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. A big ol’ cheer for The Futureheads, who reminded us just how influential they were to the ‘00s indie scene!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like The Futureheads are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
RELATED: KNEECAP LIVE
