With the excess of international names running through the country this past week, it was fantastic to see that Sunderland lads The Futureheads could draw a strong contingent to the Corner Hotel on a Sunday night. This fact was apparently not surprising; with the band firmly living up to its reputation as a stellar live act.
Warming the stage for the UK quartet were local acts Oh Mercy and Dash and Will. The loungey Thrills-like sounds of Melbourne’s Oh Mercy provided a softer introduction for the most part, with Seemed Like a Good Idea showing the band to be an appropriate support – with an nice pop melody, sweet harmonies and plenty of cowbell to boot. Dash and Will then upped the ante with their pure pop sound that showed them living up to Tegan and Sara comparisons of earlier reviews. The two jumped around the stage, with and without guitars, during the more energetic moments; transferring such energy to those near the front who were dancing about to moments such as their Easybeats cover, Something Wrong and their own single Pick You Up.
The curtains were drawn on the Futureheads right on time, and the four stood already on stage, with front man Barry Hyde striking his preparatory pose. Heavy guitars kicked in immediately as Walking Backwards led off the set; showing without any wait that this band needs no gimmicks in lighting or props – they are simply a powerful live force. Hyde was dripping in sweat by the first track’s conclusion, but without any delay pronounced, “This is a very, very fast song,” as a lead in to Broke Up The Time. Hyde’s guitar strap proved extremely uncooperative (the roadie no sooner fixing it whilst he was playing then having to run back and fix it again), being described by Hyde as “a shambles.” But this didn’t hinder their energy and the Futureheads had no trouble in getting a rowdy bunch of punters toward the front jumping about to Decent Days and Nights.
The band’s British fans seemed out in force for the evening, with many opting to lightly heckle the band between tracks. Hyde, along with guitarist Ross Millard were more than happy to go along with it all though, and conversed with those toward the front whilst they weren’t playing. The Australian fans weren’t to be forgotten though, with the band playing a healthy mix of all three of their albums – a welcome choice considering this was their first ever “real show” in Melbourne. From the band’s self titled first record, Robot was delivered with a strong clap along from the audience, and the “very angry” Cope saw an appropriate bounce from the rowdy lot. Speaking of bouncing, Hyde’s request for everyone to participate in what he called the “bouncy bounce” seemed a successful move and the energy levels picked up in Skip to the End. First Day was similarly received, showing the crowds appreciation for the incredibly speedy vocals on show.
Beginning of the Twist was surprisingly, though also thankfully, not saved for the end of the set, nor was Hounds of Love – the “cover” that the Futureheads have well and truly claimed their own. The two popular numbers highlighted the very impressive harmonies that the band pull off, with each member vocally participating. The latter of the pair saw Millard and bassist David “Jaff” Craig getting the crowd involved too, giving each side of the crowd a part to harmonise along to. Sweat continued to literally roll off Hyde as he cleaned himself, and a few in the front, with his towel, before the set was rounded off with more tracks from the first album, including Carnival Kids, with Millard on lead vocals, and Man Ray.
More oldies appeared when the Futureheads returned for an encore that didn’t appear on their set list – made up of Meantime and Le Garage and lastly Piece of Crap. The finale included one of the most entertaining and also impressive displays of the night as Hyde repeated his rapid “ebebebebebe” (the sound of someone “talking crap”) with obviously good lung capacity. The encore was very well received by the excited crowd and The Futureheads proved that they can make a Sunday feel like a Saturday with no trouble; their lively show confirming them as one brilliant live act.
