Friendly Fires: Live in Montreal
Words by Kristen Cochrane
No one can dare to compare Friendly Fires to the ubiquitous and washed out 8-bit sound of late, the awful nu-rave scene that may thankfully meet its demise very soon. Really, how many more glowsticks and yellow pants can consumerist kids handle? Drawing sardonically from this tarty mess of a subculture, Friendly Fires convey a refreshing shoegaze-meets-new-wave genre quite nicely.
Crowds in Montreal have a tendency to show their pleasure, and alternatively, their displeasure at a gig. Musicians, artists, and bands alike will know immediately whether the attendees think they’re cool as hell or really lame.
Arriving a tad late, I could hear the synthesizer intro of Skeleton Boy. Nearly peeing my, err, tights, I excitedly ran to the ticket booth. Closed. Fortunately, Montreal’s hospitality manifested itself in the form of a lovely bouncer, who immediately stamped my hand and said “Vas-y”.
Hips swinging, microphone tightly grasped, Edward MacFarlane shouts the ever so relatable “I close my eyes, on the dancefloor/I forget about you,” as the music and meaning permeates the air. The heat, the sweat and the excitement of the gig is absolute ecstacy. Edward is terrifically reminiscent of Ian Curtis, the late, great frontman of Joy Divison, and his dancing is followed by glorious amounts of perspiration, and involuntary facial expressions of bona fide passion. Truly visually captivating, the live show exceeds the stellar and conceptual music videos.
As “On Board”’s ominous beginning pierced my stimuli, I nearly flung my camera into the face of the woman behind me. Seconds later, I realized that I was in the midst of something life changing. It was the odd yet delightful age variation, as well as demographic. By demographic, I mean, there were two short-haired, early 90s-styled lesbians in front of me, as well as (I’m guessing) 14 year old American Apparel robobabes beside me. Yet, everyone was thoroughly enjoying the music. Although they bring a distinctive sound the table, its versatility appeals to individuals with an ear for quality.
Hailing from St-Albans, Hertfordshire, they have yet to break the mainstream audience in America. Those who gobble pop culture like their next meal do recognize the music from the Gossip Girl series, as “White Diamonds” was featured in an episode. In terms of making it, it is quite the milestone once an artist has made it to the Gossip Girl soundtrack, for the music is thus swallowed by the largely female audience, who have shown the marketing world to be the best customers, but more importantly, the best following. These people are inherently attracted to quality music. Simply look at the success of the featured artists on the series - whether it be the Virgins, Crystal Castles, the Teenagers, all have gone on to a larger audience.
The reason for dwelling on the latter is simply that a Friendly Fires gig today is a pure gift. The crowd is perfect, lively, non-violent. And, hey, the music is awesome as well. Don’t expect it to stay this way, however. Perfect combinations such as this have led to massive, sold-out gigs, and mosh pits where there shouldn’t be mosh pits. My advice? Go secure some tickets, and see these lads play before you miss your chance of experiencing the best musical dance bliss in half a decade.
Posted Fri, April 17, 2009