After the sound desk issues at SWG3 around November 2019, and the thought “it’s just me” at the time (but it wasn’t), I skipped last year’s Fontaines Barras shows – after the Idles three-night Covid outbreak, I dodged the bullet and decided to avoid sold-out gigs.
But I knew there was due a revisit – it was a late decision to give it another go, but after all there’s not going to be another Fall show.
And again that’s the backbone influence of FDC, but you can hear others in the mix – The Smiths and The Cure to name two main ones. However, it’s a great combination and it’s played with an angst and venomous pace at times, although failing to gain the reaction it deserves. But hey, it’s the O2 Academy, by the time the band take to the stage you can’t squeeze a fiver between people, but there’s plenty of cheers in between songs.
This new wave punk scene (cough) – no new fashion, just a bucket hat, baggy trousers, and a baggy T-shirt – think I’ve seen this before. But from start to finish these lads play a tight, melodic, almost funky punk vibe set. It makes up for the disappointing SWG3 and then some – a triumph indeed.