- Manchester Academy 1 - 27th October 2009 -
Support : Saving Aimee, Young Guns.
Fightstar have worked hard to shed front man Charlie Simpson’s pop roots, but the Busted stigma has left a visible mark. Battling years of scepticism the London four-some have all but refused point-blank to let the critics win, instead, emerging, against the odds, as one of Britain’s best young rock bands. But unlike many expected, they have not relied on former fame to aid their career. If anything, Fightstar rebel against their commercial affiliation, working hard to ensure that the only thing they have in common with a certain ex-boyband is a large fan base and strong back-catalogue.
An unusual mix of grunge, soft-metal and rock, previous releases ‘Grand Unification Part 1’, ‘We Apologise For Nothing’, ‘Paint Your Target’ and ‘Deathcar’, accompany tracks from latest album, 'Be Human’, and a preview of upcoming December single, ‘A City On Fire’ to make for a strong set. The guys are on form tonight, clearly enjoying the effect their subtle combination of delicate-but-dramatic metal has on the crowd. Roaming the stage, overseeing circle pits and engaging in more than their fair share of head-banging; Charlie, Alex, Dan and Omar give the impression of a group of lads who really love what they do, putting the crowd at ease and making the academy their own.
Topping it off with an encore of ‘Palahuniuk’s Laughter’, it feels more like an impromptu, private jam session than a big gig.
Verdict : The excitement in the room is palpable but despite a great playlist and impeccable delivery, tonight felt a little flat. A relaxed performance adds a lack-lustre taste to the evening, proving that even rock stars shouldn’t rest on their laurels, (even if those laurels do happen to be cracking songs and impressive guitar skills).
7/10
By Beth Cook
Fightstar's latest album 'Be Human', released 19th April 2009, on Search and Destroy, is available from online stores : http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=952365
Tour dates and ticket information : http://www.fightstarmusic.com/tour/index.php
