The crowd were now suitably warmed up by Black Foxxes, Fatherson bounced their way onto the stage in matching Derelique / Kwik Fit outfits and began their joyful, fun-filled, rollicking good-time-of-a-set.
This wasn’t glamorama, this was to be a much needed happy, energy bomb of a show incorporating thirteen songs. We’d not seen the band since Augustine’s farewell in 2016 but Ross Leighton (guitar, lead vocals), Marc Strain (bass) and Greg Walkinshaw (drums) were looking well and ready to entertain London.
The boys started their set with ‘Dive’ and ‘Charm School’, jumping and head-banging their way around the stage, both taking the lead vocals alternately, matching the vibe of the uber-bright lighting. Their joy in performing was evident with Marc show-boating as much as he ever did and the audience lapped it up- it truly was a fun-filled Friday night. Did we mention that yet?
master performers loving their craft "
Third song, Lost Little Boys, featured some fast drum work, echoing the insistent lyrics; “I need you… I need it all,” showcasing percussionist Greg’s impressive technique and passionate drum style.
The middle songs, Normal People, The Landscape, Ghost and Reflection are obviously well known and well-loved by the fans, who sang along with conviction and passion. Powerful vocals showcasing Ross and Marc’s impressive range and falsetto singing combined with their trademark big melodic sound and intricate, complex guitar riffs pervaded the assembly hall, filling it with the sensation that we were in the safe yet exciting hands of master performers loving their craft – and we knew it.
‘Cat Stevens’ featured Greg standing up and seemingly drumming with his whole body, while the feel-good “Love for Air” wove a magical spell among the by now, blissed –out crowd. Ross’s richly-toned vocals serenaded us with Just Past the Point of Breaking, Better Friend and I like not Knowing, before Fatherson finished the evening with Always…”Listen to the silence… Do you hear? Do you hear?
Fatherson, we heard you. And we loved you.
FATHERSON played Islington Assembly Hall 10th June 2022 supported by Black Foxxes
Look out for Black Foxxes review to follow
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