Brighton band, Loose Lips, open the show tonight, swiftly followed by the fabulous Natives. Hailing from New Forest, their energy effervesces through the packed-out venue. Big melodies complimented by jumpy tempos get the crowd geared up for the rest of the evening.
Don Broco appear. The crowd cheers. This is one of the most exciting bands around today and easily the most anticipated act of this evening. Their raw passion is displayed through frontman, Rob Damiani’s deep and alluring voice and the flawless accompaniment. Not to mention the incredible shapes they throw, including signature move, ‘The Walk’.
With their debut, ‘Priorities’, due for release in August, the Bedford lads are clearly excited to showcase their new material. So much so, Rob immerses himself in a mini wall of death. They end their exceedingly short set with the corker, ‘Dream Boy’ – a fast-paced and incredibly catchy track off their EP, ‘Big Fat Smile’.
Headliners for tonight at The Haunt, Futures, saunter onstage to a tie-dye backdrop, but there’s a notable lack of exuberance. Vocalist, Ant West may be pitch perfect, but we wonder if he can demand the attention that the previous bands enjoyed.
New album ‘Karma Satellite’ hasn’t been as well received as mini debut, ‘The Holiday’. The lack of interest in their new songs tonight is evident. The title track from the album, albeit a slow song, doesn’t get the crowd moving. Though one thing is for sure, the band’s mellow tempo isn’t a hindrance when it comes to their overall sound. Futures do catchy guitar melodies while West’s soft vocals keep the crowd absorbed.
Older song, ‘Thank You’, finally sparks up the crowd with loud drums and penetrating guitars – this is a glimpse of how they should sound. However, as the set peters out like a badly constructed campfire, a few embers remain in the form of a Lana Del Rey cover as an interlude. ‘Sal Paradise’, another track from ‘The Holiday’, followed by ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ receive huge uproars, and they end tonight on a better note. Let’s just hope they don’t completely lose their touch.
The Haunt, Wednesday 11th July 2012
Words by Lizzi Hart
