Reviewed on 1st July 2005.

Funeral for a Friend

Live at The Refectory on Thursday, 30th June 2005

The fans are soaked, the band are soaked, even the ceiling is soaked. Funeral for a Friend's support is nothing short of triumphant as the 5 self confessed Welsh Valley boyos evacuate the stage concluding a set of vibrancy, urgency and enjoyment I had not accounted for. With the added inclusion of their 'Hours' entourage Funeral for a Friend have upped it a gear, and thank God because in recent times debut album 'Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation' was getting tired. Although saying that even the old material (especially the single material) sound exceptional tonight. But prior to all that, we've got 3 bands obviously hand picked by Matt Davies and co. to create value for money and a stepping stone for the bands on display.

Everybody likes Jonah Matranga. How could you not? He's like the biggest middle aged emo kid on the planet. Back with his new band Gratitude, it's a little more poppy than usual, his backing group (let's be honest this is The Jonah Show) not exactly straining themselves to perform their jobs. There probably isn't a more perfect warm up act than this. Matranga rallying the crowd in a ringmaster fashion and 'bigging up' the bands that are to follow and also, and irritatingly on some levels, preaching about the evils of Tony Blair and the 'illegal' war. 'This Is The Part' is the highlight of a very exuberant kick-start.

Generic screamo band #48665 A Static Lullaby initially provide the soundtrack to a decent amount of carnage till everyone realises ASL aren't particularly special and instead conserve energy for what is to come.

Straight out of some bizarre metal styling salon, Bullet For My Valentine are supposed to be the saviours of British metal. I thought they were a joke. Kind of what New Found Glory are to The Clash, these guys are to Slayer. But 'lo and behold these Welshies aren't half bad either. 'Hand Of Blood' is both hookful & heavy, likewise with much of their material. The calls of "Jump, Jump" during 'Just Another Star' are always embarrassing in a record however. The rhythm should be good enough to be unable the resist the urge to 'Jump, Jump'. They've still won me over though. Bullet For My Valentine ARE metal.

Funeral for a Friend are the main attraction though. This may be the first time I've ever felt old at a show on account of the influx of pre-18 year olds but it hardly quells the enjoyment of such a downright awesome set. 'Streetcar' erupts in fine fashion with its more emo than thou line of the year thus far "I can't feel the same about you anymore". From there on in little is at fault. A strong setlist bearing a few exceptions, a stonking encore consisting of 'The Art Of American Football', 'Escape Artists Never Die' and the always on the cards ballad of 'History'. Prior to which the band calls for a show of mobile phone lights to mimic the Bon Jovi lighter ballads of days gone by (a move pioneered by Blink 182 ya know) which naturally fails horrendously. Davies' voice seems to struggle through the first verse too but picks it up again soon after to create a rather beautiful atmosphere.

The chemistry the band have on stage is an enviable one for many rivals as well. Especially between lead vocalist Matt Davies and guitarist Gareth Davies. Be it the between song banter or mid song hi-jinx, a real love for the occupation is very much in evidence. Finally, respect to the Leeds Uni staff as well. Almost an insane amount of water on hand contributing to the copious amounts of sweat in the liquid stakes. Nice.

All those doubters (including myself) better think again then. Funeral for a Friend are a quality live band. As is their latest release. They do seemingly have the world at their feet and the desire and ambition to push on and become one of the biggest bands within it and carry on releasing long after the emo onslaught has subsided. It's a hefty statement but arguably one of the best sets I've ever witnessed.