While Memory and Humanity seemed to pass by fairly unnoticed, Welcome Home, Armageddon will without a doubt cause a stir among Funeral For a Friend fans who have long awaited the band’s return to their heavier sounds.
I personally loved Tales Don’t Tell Themselves, but these sweet, honest, melodic metaphors of being lost at sea and far from home seemed to have lacked the balls-out rock that fans long for. This gig did not disappoint.
FFAF’s show is high in enthusiasm and energy, positively in the moment exuding a love of live performance. Singer Matthew Davies-Kreye introduces various family members around King Tut’s who are working and touring with them, much to his approval. The on-stage vibe is light-hearted and happy, silly even, and I hate to admit that some shameful part of me thought this was an unpleasing contrast to the music. It reminded of an interview a few year ago, when Davies-Kreye was posed a question from a devoted teenage fan about the meaning behind the lyrics “I’ll walk until my feet are bleedin” that feature in her most beloved FFAF song, ‘Novella’. Turns out it was about the drunkenly losing his socks and trainers and having to walk home from a party. Oh.
Aside from the conflicting atmospheres of music versus presence, FFAF go for it live. Unfortunately, the sound at King Tut’s doesn’t do them justice, the wonderfully-crafted riffs and soaring vocals lost in the mix. I sincerely hope that this excellent album warrants a tour of larger venues, because with the right set up, this would be a stunning show.
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
- Funeral For a Friend - 22 March 2011
- Athlete - 9 December 2010
- We Are Scientists - 27 November 2010