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The first of many

As previously mentioned, M and I went to see Goldfrapp play at Cardiff University last night, the first night of their current UK tour and our first gig of the year. We arrived shortly before the support came on stage. In a change to the schedule, we got to see the Shortwave Set instead of the billed band who I think were called Hot Chicks? (I have to confess I didn't actually check the support details previously). Shortwave Set were very indie but really quite enjoyable; I'm sure I've heard something of theirs on 6 Music, or wouldn't be surprised if I did!

Goldfrapp came onstage at about 9.15pm and opened with a few quiet numbers (from Felt Mountain? memory block), building up the sound. Key songs were Lovely Head, Ooh La La, Train, and Beautiful (which I don't remember having heard before but really liked nontheless); set list was varied between all 3 albums. Ended up with 2 encores, the 1st one with Number 1 and Strict Machine, the 2nd with Black Cherry. Amusingly, a few people started to leave after the first encore, even though the lights hadn't got up, and rushed back in when they heard Black Cherry!

I'm pretty sure the show was sold out and the audience were very enthusiastic, huge roars for the singles and more than a few declarations of love for Alison G. I was impressed with the sound from the band (including electric violin!), and the whole show was certainly the flashiest I've seen at the University, lighting & such. I even managed not to go click happy with the camera for once! Alison G stole the show, sometimes reminding me of Kate Bush! Definitely worth seeing, though I'm not sure how many tickets there are left for the remaining shows!

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