If punk pioneers The Clash had a love child with ska legends Madness, its name would be The Futureheads. Hailing from Sunderland in the northern UK, these four lads have created a sound with roots stemming back to the early days of punk while adding their own modern flair creating a fresh, edgy sound that is, in many cases, rare amongst artists of today's era.
I have to admit that up until about two weeks ago, I had no idea who this band was. My favorite local record store, Cactus Music, announced they would be doing an in-store performance as part of their current tour in support of their recent release The Chaos, I looked them up and was intrigued by their nostalgic sound. I attended the show not really certain of what to expect. I knew they were British and I'd heard a few songs of theirs from YouTube, but that was pretty much it. So imagine my surprise when they decided to do their in-store performance acapella with a little acoustic guitar action thrown into the mix. All four members, Barry Hyde, Ross Millard, Jaff and David Hyde, lent their vocals to make each performance of what would normally be a fast tempo punk-like anthem sound very laid back but still very melodic and for lack of a better word, good. I would think that singing a song like "Struck Dumb" or "Heartbeat Song" might lose its catchiness and sound a little dull, but the acapella versions actually enhanced it and gave the songs a different perspective.
After their set at Cactus, I spoke to the band's front man, Barry Hyde, who then invited me to their show that night at Fitzgerald's where they would be playing along with Born Ruffians, Soft Pack and Melligrove Band. I heard the last few minutes of Melligrove Band and the Born Ruffians put on a terrific set as well, but obviously I was there to see the lads from Sunderland.
Once it was time for them to take the stage, I was able to make my way up to the very front where I got to see everything up close and experience the true magnificence of this band first hand. The band kicked off their set with the guitar rockin' song "The Chaos", which is also the title track off their latest album. From there they alternated between old hits like "Decent Days" and "Robot" to new tracks like the sweet "Heartbeat Song" and happy feeling "I Can Do That". Rounding out the set was a clever cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" in which the audience took part in singing along with the melody and their final track on the new album, "Jupiter". Their sound was fresh, but familiar and they all had so much energy it was hard to believe this was their last stop in the USA before heading back to their home across the pond. The crowd loved them as well singing along to all of their favorites, it was clear that The Futureheads had a deep rooted following here in the Bayou City. I could tell that the boys truly loved playing for the audience and fed off the crowds' high energy.
Last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life. I got to meet and hang out with a great band and experience some exceptionally wonderful music. Speaking to Barry was great and the whole band was extremely nice and down to earth. I got autographs and at the end of the show, their roadie gave me David's drumsticks! A great night indeed! Until next time my lovely friends...Cheers!
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