Entering the upstairs bar at The Academy
through the hoards of would be fans I could feel the atmosphere was
of eager anticipation. I think we were all
surprised that the gig wasn’t on the main stage nevertheless, The
Academy were organised as per usual putting on a brilliant show
(except for IDing myself at the bar, I have receders long enough to
land a Boeing 747). Waiting for the Enemy to appear seemed to take
an eon as the fans grew hot and thirsty unwilling to give up their
spot that they fought so hard to get in this up close and personnel
gig.
As the Coventry band
donned the stage with Gallagher brother-esque swagger to fellow
Coventrians
The Specials track ‘Too much too young’ the crowd exploded into fits
of excitement. They kicked off with ‘40 days’ which was played with
aggression and gusto. But not all went to plan as Tom’s (guitar/main
vocals) microphone failed to sound. As the roadies frantically
buzzed around trying to locate the problem the band carried on
playing, not fazed by the impromptu instrumental. It even seemed to
increase tom’s confidence and stage presents as he prowled the
stage.
I’ve got to apologise
for two things tonight. First for the shite mic and the second for
the shite band before us! lets have a fooking mad one yeah”
Was his remark after a new microphone was installed which set the
theme for the night.
“The commuters favourite set off with
their already popular tracks such as, ‘Shed a tear’ and their new
single ‘Away from here’, which went down a treat with the boisterous
revellers who, had already started a mosh pit within minutes of the
kick off. I was instantly hooked on their jam/clash/sex pistols,
with a little bit of Oasis thrown in for good measure sound, which
is in your face from the outset. Catchy melodies and harmonies are a
plenty, which has left me wanting more. Their debut album is
rumoured to be released around their newly announced national tour
which starts 6th June at Cardiff University and finishes 20th London
Astoria which is selling out fast.
If you would like to
hear more of The Enemy go to Jo Whiley’s Live lounge session
HERE
