The annual NME Awards Tour aims to bring together the best in the previous years music, combined with acts the NME thinks will be big this year, and they (generally) get it right. The tour consists of 4 acts, headlined by a band with recent mainstream success (Glasvegas), followed by a band with "scene" success/critical acclaim (Friendly Fires), a band who is destined for mainstream success (White Lies) and a band who is currently being hyped by journalists (Florence & The Machine).
Florence & The Machine open the night with a highly impressive half an hour set. Brilliantly soul infused indie is produced as singer Florence Welch jumps around the stage as the band rattle through a collection of tracks including single Dog Days Are Over, and highlight Girl With 1 Eye.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Friendly Fires, who are far less interesting despite their setlist and recent debut album being crammed with excellently upbeat electro indie tunes. Much of the sound appears to be coming from the synth machine that singer Ed Macfarlane touches occasionally, when he isn't dancing around like a pretentious little twat. Harsh? Maybe. Still, I'd recommend Late Of The Pier to anyone considering seeing Friendly Fires.
I have recently come to the conclusion that I am on of the few in the minority of people who think Glasvegas are seriously good live. The passion singer James Allen conveys throughout their set makes you scream your heart out along with him and, on singles It's My Own Cheating Heart... and Daddy's Gone, the rest of the (diminished) audience. Still, tonight is the worst I've seen them, and I finally understand the main criticism leveled at their live shows of "they are just too loud".
However, tonights heroes are the country's new favourite band, White Lies. Who produce a blistering half an hour set leaving the audience speechless. From new single Fairwell To The Fairground to closer Death, the band rock through a perfect taster of their recent No.1 debut album, including highlights The Price Of Love and debut single Unfinished Business, where they are joined by Florence (the one with the machine) for an excellent duet. Any criticism that White Lies sound robotic and un-emotive on record are irrelevant live, as singer Harry McVeigh pours his heart into every word. The fear that they will soon be playing massive venues has certainly got a hold on me.
White Lies played:
Fairwell To The Fairground
To Lose My Life
A Place To Hide
Unfinished Business (Feat. Florence Welch)
Fifty On Our Foreheads
The Price Of Love
Death
Glasvegas played:
Geraldine
Lonesome Swan
It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry
Polmont On My Mind
Flowers & Football Tops
Ice Cream Van
Go Square Go
S.A.D. Light
Daddy's Gone
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