Off the back of their sold out gig at the Electric Ballroom, a tired looking Foals performed a free gig at Brick Lanes infamous Rough Trade East on Tuesday night.
The record store was packed out with fans lucky enough to get their hands on wristbands. A mixed audience consisting of everyone from the indie kids to suited middle aged men, crammed in to hear some of their new critically acclaimed album ‘Total Life Forever’. This is probably the smallest venue you’ll see them play this year, Yannis himself can be quoted saying “this is going to be cramped” as the band took to the miniature stage situated at the back of the store.
The venue itself is awkward to say the least, after all it is a record store, this had an evident effect on the fans, who all seemed a little quieter than the usual following, even provoking Yannis to ask “are you guys alright, as hung over as we are?” Despite the lack of energy amongst the head-bobbing crowd, excluding one or two elderly women at the front (who appeared to be reliving their youth), the band played a great set lasting just over half an hour.
Kicking off with the title track, they took us through some of the best cuts from their new album; standouts were ‘Miami’ and ‘Spanish Sahara’ (which received the the best reception). At times you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking they are miming, with their live performances sounding near spot on to the recorded material.
Finishing the set with old favourite ‘Two Steps Twice’, the fans finally showed some excitement. With Yannis managing to liven things up, aimlessly pushing through the crowd, with a frustrated security guard tagging along behind. One thing, even more evident when played live, was the contrast in vocal styles and energy between their new album and old. The new material being a lot calmer, more polished and vocally stronger, whereas their previous cuts ooze with a youthful energy and whether the band like it or not, will excite the audience that little bit more!
Considering the current hype surrounding the five Oxford lads, it says a lot when they are still happy to go and play a free gig. It wont got down as their most memorable gig, that’s for sure, but none-the-less would of meant a lot to the hundred or so fans that squashed in to see them.
