Reviews

Marcus from Chinafight

Review: Fez

Chinafight open the night with their blend of Vines and laid-back 1960s rock ‘n’ roll inspired tracks. The front man steals the show. With Stella and tambourine in tow, Marcus wanders around the stage adopting Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler–esque poses. He really reminds me of Craig Nicholls and has a very erratic and rock ‘n’ roll energy, compelling you to keep your eye on him throughout. As it turns out they are the most mesmerising band of the night.

The Nudes are up next and in my opinion their name is more inventive than their music. Their intros make big promises but the middles never live up to them. Most of their tracks have impressive endings but the songs as whole packages are disappointing. I thought I was in for some hard American rock ‘n’ roll with the strong beats and guitar riffs they blast out at the start, but it turns out that the best thing they have going for them is a solid bassist sporting a white Rickenbacker with black outline and detail. They do look the part, and they do have most of the crowd tapping their feet with some going crazy, but their set is repetitive and hence lacks innovation.

I like the way third band The Lost Revue come across as a very genuine band who are receptive to a crowd’s energy. Although their own energy is lacking somewhat, they definitely put a lot of effort into their set – persevering through numerous technical difficulties with the sound. They have a modern indie feel but left no notable impression on me due to a mainly bland set and lack of individuality.

The Alps are the headliners tonight. You can tell they’ve been on the gig circuit from the enormous amount of energy they blast out and the self-assured way they connect with the crowd. They ooze confidence and gets everyone bouncing, however yet again we have a band who don’t possess anything particularly unique. Their set flows and they work well as a band, but I can’t help thinking of them as just another Franz Ferdinand, only a little heavier. Having said that, they do definitely have the potential to become a chart-topping band. The second-best band of the night.