Faker @ The Standard, Sydney(11/11/2011)

Tue 15th Nov, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Faker’s newly released EP How Did We Not Get Loved is a prequel to their new record Get Loved. This album evokes a more downbeat and emotional sound which addresses the darker sides of relationships and failed love.

When the big moment approached for Faker to play there were four tightly compressed rows of people crowded around the stage. When Nathan Hudson and Nicholas Munnings accompanied by Chris Stabback and Liam O’Brian came onstage the crowd filled the small room above Oxford st with screams.

The band opened with Hearts To Break a great choice since it most similar to the sound Faker has previously been famous for producing but with different lyrics. In no time the crowd of sweaty bodies began to raise their arms in approval and dance to what may be described as a very catchy chorus.

Credit must be given to Nathan Hudson who really knows how to work a crowd by engaging and at times performing directly to a member of the audience. It was his enthusiasm which was the driving force of the crowd’s elation which carried on until the end of the performance. Hudson also did not stand around idly singing either he used the entire stage and at times climbed up onto the amps in order to jump off them. This standard of performance continued for the entire performance where tracks from their latest EP such as Back When Solvents, Bad Feeling, Black Dogs and How Did You Not Get Loved? engulfed the room.

The climax of the set came when the band returned to their roots to play an old favourite This Heart Attack. The energy of the room increased as did the frantic dancing with everybody singing in unison: “This heart attack! Gotta get away not coming back!”. Unfortunately due to the mass excitement and noise brought on by a very enthusiastic crowd, complaints warranted the venue to cut the band off half-way through their final song Dangerous. Despite the audience’s disappointment of Faker’s set being cut short (a sentiment strongly shared by Nathan Hudson) it would appear that the new direction taken by Faker with this EP has not impacted their popularity with their faithful fans.