The largest of the academy venues in Manchester hosted the night which is a testament to the overnight (!) success that Future Islands have enjoyed since the release of 'Singles', even though it is their fourth album. Obviously “that” song and performance on Letterman has also had something to do with it.
First up, was Beth Jeans Houghton’s latest incarnation Du Blonde, a fully formed rock band with a harder edge than first outing with the Hooves of Destiny. Looking every bit the late night rock chic, on they came to a barely paying attention audience and launched into If You’re Legal from their (only) album Welcome Back to Milk. After Black Flag and Hunter the audience started to pay attention, and they were being won over by the huge operatic voice emitting from this fragile looking woman. The 30 minute bellowing set was over, and off they went to a standing ovation.
Next up, and unknown to this reviewer were Dope Body, fellow Baltimore residents like Future Islands, and it turns out the lead singers from both bands share an apartment. "He’s my homie” explained Samuel T later in the evening.
This was a full on energetic, classic rock with elements of punk stage performance. The shirts were off most of the band after the first song, as the energy was huge and lead singer Andrew prowling the stage like a born performer. Giant riffs mixed with thunderous drumming mixed with bellowing vocals had me stage front and centre, however they were not to everyone’s taste, especially some who had come just to hear Future Islands synth rock. Andrew confirmed to me after the show that the set consisted of tracks from new album Kunk which I bought, and he hoped to see me at the next show as “we are playing very close to here……..in Glasgow…” Keep an eye on these dudes.
Finally the main attraction took the stage to an almost hysterical reaction, and the first 5 minutes to me summed up their attraction. Instead of ignoring the audience, and launching into their first track, Samuel T Herring took a few minutes to pace the very front edge of the stage and basically have a chat, thanking everyone for coming, looking all around the space as if he was savouring every second of the night, and telling everyone we were in for a great night. It’s called engaging with your fans…..simple yet effective.
Every move, every bonkers dance he did, and everything he then said was cheered to the rafters. Most of 'Singles' was played, including the ubiquitous 'Seasons', which for the first time did not get the biggest cheer of the night, suggesting the fans are appreciative of all their songs equally now.
Samuel was sweating almost as much as we were; he genuinely puts his heart and soul into every performance which again I think the fans appreciate. Unfortunately, the other band members are completely secondary in a live setting; this show is all about Samuel T and his unusual style and his interaction with the crowd. And boy, the crowd loved him back. This is what entertainment is all about, and with three bands on the set, excellent value for money too.
Keith
