Review... Foals

Let me set the scene... Think a misty Wednesday evening in Sheffield, groups of young hip things and the odd OAP congregating outside a social club; in the side room a group of Sheffield locals, drinking pints and gin and tonics whilst playing a game of backgammon or darts etc. In the main room the young hip things drink cans of red stripes and wait in anticipation. Instruments lay waiting on the stage against a backdrop of nativity-esque hangings (by that I mean shiny/glittery streamer like curtains). Scene set right this is the night that Foals are playing in Sheffield. Intimate gigs are always the best I think, seeing your favourite band, in a small venue just makes you feel so much closer to the band. The support act petite-noir, seem to keep the crowd occupied whilst waiting for Foals. The band visually looks quite cool, a mix-match of the typical indie/hipster guys are great. They have a good sound, which I think just needs a little fine tuning and I could see them being a break through band of late 2013 perhaps. After Petite-Noir finish playing, there is quite a heavy transition, we wait for what seems like an age, and I am getting antsy to see the band. At half 9, the music dims again and Foals are here, all the waiting and annoyance completely dissipates as soon as Foals begin playing. Throughout the entire gig, the band are just filled with energy, the exuberance that front-man Yannis Philippakis exudes is just highly infectious; I dare anyone to go to a Foals gig and not dance or sing at the top of your voice, no matter how cool you want to seem it is an impossible feat to not let yourself go! I think a band that can make the crowd 'shhhh' when they play Spanish Sahara but then start a mosh pit when they play Two Steps, Twice and Inhaler just has to be absolutely incredible. I have spent my life going to gigs, and I can honestly say hand on heart, that, that was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. They played all their most famous songs minus Cassius which was highly anticipated by the crowd and I think would have been incredibly received. Luckily for me they played one of their new songs My Number, which they recently performed on Jools Holland; the set list was definitely well thought out. Foals are such an established band now, they have sold out The Albert Hall and they have a hefty fan base, most of which have been with them since 2008, but when their new album is out, I feel they are going to have a huge in-flux of new fans. Foals are back, bigger and better than ever before.

Well they say being a third year in University is the most stressful thing ever, well they would be true. The work load is insane but I actually think that so far I this has been my favourite year at University. I am living in a lovely little house, with incredible friends and just having a lot of fun. I have definitely being going out a lot  more this year than any of my previous years, which probably isn't the best idea as this is my most important year of study. I will probably be ruing myself in years to come when I have a third in my degree but at the moment things are so good.

On Friday, Amarni and I went to see our favourite band in the entire world Bon Iver in Manchetser, I think both being huge fans of Bon Iver really cemented our friendship. Amarni's lovely friend from home Jasmine put us up for the night and met us at Picadilly Station and in true Manchester style it was raining and I had no hood or umbrella, I think I ran over a total of 5 people feet with my suitcase. After we had some food Amarni and I got ready and went to the MEN arena, I think it's safe to say I found my way relatively easily, I definitely have a good sense of direction. The night before the gig I found out that one of my new favourite bands The Staves were supporting Bon Iver, so I was possibly the most excited I have ever been for a gig and I have been to a lot. The Staves were incredible, their harmonies are the best I have ever heard, and Bon Iver were just... I actually don't have the words. Justin Vernon's performance of Woods, was absolutely phenomenal. I just, I have  no words.

After the gig we all went out in Manchester to Antwerp House, and again it was bloody amazing there was a jazz band playing all these incredible songs. The Mansion was filled with sofas and piano's and old televisions and computers. Amarni and I were completely in our element. Well there is a little update and here is a few pictures:

Well a few blog posts ago, I was speaking of James Vincent McMorrow and how he was my favourite artist, but I had to wait and see him live before I could wholeheartedly admit it. Well Friday night me and the gals went to see him and I hereby announce that James Vincent McMorrow is my favourite artist. He was not perfect on every song, his cover of Wicked Games was absolutely phenomenal. He was already very high upon my play list on my iTunes, but he has raced ahead and so many of his songs are in my Top Played. I've been to a considerable amount of gigs, because it's my favourite thing to do; the whole atmosphere at a gig, the camaraderie between music lovers- I just love it. However James Vincent McMorrow is a very mellow artist, so I didn't really know what to expect from his gig. But he was utterly captivating, whereas some bands/singers go on tangents and stuff with the audience James didn't really say a great deal, but when he did he was witty and sarcastic -just my type of person. His band were also incredible, he is such an incredible person to see live and I'd recommend him to anyone who will listen to me.

The Maccabees

Last night I went to see The Maccabees at Leadmill and they were so good. There such a good band to see live, there so lively and fun and stuff. Also the guitarist is ridiculously attractive. I'd definitely recommend going to see them if you get a chance, you will not regret it. Then we stayed at Leadmill afterwards and Jess and Amarni met up with us afterwards. Unfortunately I started to feel really sick and stuff, so I left pretty early, Amarni is the epitome of a good pal she left early to take me home.