Good things come to those who get the tickets, indeed. Two outings this week, first up on 26th were Long Blondes in a very crowded top room at Clwb Ifor Bach. The Steel City theme extended as far as support from Yorkshire rapper Kid Acne, who was new to us but hilariously entertaining! Quite a few similarities with Arctic Monkeys (although I'm not sure I've ever seen any Monkey wearing a flat cap).
The main set started off with current single Century. The majority of the set was from forthcoming album Couples, plus some very old favourites that didn't make Someone To Take You Home (I assume so, as we didn't recognise them), with only Lust In The Movies and Giddy Stratospheres (last song of the set) making it. Excellent show, my only real criticism that it was too short and there was no encore! Although the encore problem was due to the venue and an album launch for someone else!
Second outing on 27th, back to The Point to see old (or rather young) favourites The Subways, back with a new album and another enjoyable show. An exceedingly full Point, and I expect the Coal Exchange would have been a sell out if it was still open. The first support band were instantly forgettable (The Culprits, according to The Subways website), but the second, Cage the Elephant, were much better, even a couple of Jaggerisms from the lead singer. Definitely worth a second look.
The Subways set was, I think, meant to be mostly new songs but quite a few 'oldies' were slipped in, including Oh Yeah, Mary, City Pavement and the encore was Rock N Roll Queen after new single Girls and Boys. First song of the set was a new one, California, which M and I heard at their last Cardiff show along with another new song, Shake Shake; other newbies included Alright, and I Won't Let You Down (I think that title's correct). The end of the show was brilliant, great crowd atmosphere (read: very sweaty!) but on reflection the earlier part of their show didn't seem to please as much as previous shows. That may be the new songs -a cursory look at their myspace only lists a sample of Girls and Boys & the rest is older songs. I think we'll reserve judgement until the new album All or Nothing comes out in June.
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