FUTURES + THE XCERTS
O2 Academy 2, Newcastle
29/09/2010
Words: Katie Wright
Young Aberdeen trio The Xcerts provided support for Futures and their self-invented, self-titled “distorted pop” genre certainly contrasted to the headliners tonight.
Promoting their new album Scatterbrain, their music is well crafted but unfortunately, despite it being labelled ‘pop’, the crowd were unable to come alive. However throughout their set the audience were fixated and listening intently and the round of applause after each track showed the appreciation for their masterful melodies and strong vocals. Their best track is ‘Young (Belane) Out’ and had the audience been aware of the track, it most definitely would have sparked a sing-a-long and a more energetic crowd performance.
The Xcerts, suited more for a support slot with Biffy Clyro or Blood Red Shoes, did provide a brilliantly executed set which did not go unrecognised or unappreciated – the only fault came from the timing and place.
With the support not quite making the cut and unable to get the crowd going for the main act, the anticipation for the London quartet Futures was high. As the room went dark the screaming demands for the band started. The set list, made up of their debut mini album The Holiday, also featured two new singles ‘Oxygen’ and ‘Islands in the Sea’, both of which being brilliantly upbeat as all the bands music and they point the next album in the direction of success. Futures front man Ant West worked the crowd to ensure they made their last night on tour one to remember. ‘Take Me Home’ and the superb ‘Sals Paradise’ were crowd favourites and their last track was their most famous – The Boy Who Cried Wolf sent the fans berserk as everyone in the room came together for the chorus.
With their music being all about positivity, fast-paced and energetic rhythms with all the hooks and sing-a-long choruses a song could need, this gig was definitely one Futures could be proud of. After their hugely successful year (including tour dates with Kids In Glass Houses, headlining Slam Dunk festival and the release of The Holiday despite having no record label for support) Futures have proved themselves as serious contenders in the music industry. If there is one band you need to keep a close eye on, it’s this one.
