Last nights White Lies gig at The O2 Academy in Leeds was the latest to pop up on my radar. Having seen them 5 times previously, I had an idea that this would be too good a concert to miss when the tickets went on sale back in mid November. Yes it meant sacrificing other bands I haven't seen yet (finances dictate only a handful of gigs these days), but after hearing their single from the 'Ritual' album I had an idea it wasn't going to disappoint.
Once I had carried out my share of 'dad' duties and remembered to pick up the tickets, I set off for Leeds, picking up my fellow gig goer on the way. The rain and slightly windy conditions made for an interesting journey across the M62, but nevertheless we made it into Leeds for just after 20:15. Prior to leaving the house, I had checked my Twitter timeline and found that the main support act was on at 20:30 until 21:00, with Harry and co getting on stage at 21:30. That obviously meant that the 22:30 curfew would be kept right?
We had our customary glance at the merchandise booth en-route to the bar to get a pint of what can only be described as fizzy tasteless lager aka Tuborg before we got in position, just before the main support act 'Crocodiles' came on stage. Musically they were quite enjoyable but the lead singer however, annoyed me. He came on stage with a pair of Blues Brothers style sunglasses on, danced around a bit daft on stage whilst holding onto the mic stand and sung in a style that I can only liken to Morrissey. In my book, that never should be done because you'll never be as good as him! Towards the end of the set, he picked up a guitar and lost the Morrissey impression. This was where they turned it round and they went from annoying to being quite enjoyable. They have been added to the list of acts to try on Spotify.
After they departed and half an hour filled with stage setup, pushing, shoving and getting a bit cramped (well it was a sell out after all), they entered the stage to a theatrical but really simple spot light show. The set began with 'A Place To Hide' from their first album 'To Lose My Life'. A good start and a track which the little niggles with the Sound Mix could be ironed out with. Reasoning with the choice in opener maybe?
'Holy Ghost', the second single from the new album followed, which reaffirmed to me that they really can perform live and are backed by first class Sound Engineers. All the White Lies performances I have seen have been superbly produced, with the sound being really clear, in a variety of different venues. At this point I remembered a comment made by a work colleague who attended the Leeds Met gig with me in May 2009. As one of his favourite venues, he claimed that they were the best produced act he'd seen there, and trust me, he's seen loads of acts at that Students Union.
Anyway back on subject. The title track from the first album followed which saw the crowd begin bounce and jump around in enjoyment slightly. The obvious pattern of alternating between an old and a new track was beginning to shine through. Old favourite E.S.T. was interlaced with new offerings such as Strangers, Peace and Quiet and Streetlights.
From here we got to the livelier part of the set with Farewell To The Fairground, again one of the live favourites amongst the fans. The first track from Ritual, 'Is Love' came next which I was looking forward to hearing and lived up to my hopes. The more laid back 'Bad Love' again gave the excitable crowd a bit of respite before the final track of the set was announced.
I had my money on Death being the final track of the encore as I wasn't sure any other track would work. However, it appeared as the last track of the main set, much to the surprise of the majority of people around me. Undoubtedly their best track live track had it's desired effect and the whole floor was bouncing up and down.
The 3 track encore consisted of Unfinished Business and the slower paced The Power and The Glory before ending on the current single Bigger Than Us. Although a great surprised, I think that it worked as an encore, albeit in a different way to Death. But then the whole second album differs from the first so that doesn't stand stand up as a comparison really does it?
Even though I've seen these 6 times, I still don't get tired of their live performances. Harry is an excellent lead singer who really lets the music do the talking. The band aren't about gimmicks or messing about on stage. They just seem to be pleased that people enjoy there music. You could see this in the bow they all took at the end of the gig.
Another memory of the evening is how many people older than me were at the gig. I'm 31 and expected to be one of the oldest there. However, there were couple who seeemed to be older than me dotted about. It still makes me smile that one stood close to me decided to check if the liquid she had been sprayed with was lager or not. Clearly she doesn't attend many gigs!
As for the next gig, I don't have any booked. There are a few I would like to attend but I'm either working or being dad coupled with cash flow issues. However, it still doesn't stop me from being envious of others who will go.
White Lies played:
A Place to Hide
Holy Ghost
To Lose My Life
Strangers
E.S.T.
Peace & Quiet
Streetlights
Farewell to the Fairground
Is Love
Bad Love
Death
Unfinished Business
The Power & The Glory
Bigger Than Us
