Hard-Fi were first up. These four lads from Staines, London played songs from their mini album 'Stars of CCTV' in their 30 minute set. The highlights of their performance were their new single 'Tied up too tight' and their previous release 'Cash Machine'. Richard Archer (vocals) dedicated it to all those that have ever been broke, which got a good response from the punters. Their brand of socially political lyrics and catchy tunes make them destined for popularity.
Next on were The Cribs. Sadly I missed over half of their set as I was interviewing the singer from Hard-Fi outside the venue, but what I did see was of a high standard. I saw them perform with The Ordinary Boys at Rock City in March and was blown away. I arrived back in the gig to see plastic beer cups being thrown about the audiences heads. So they were clearly having a good time.
Last, but definately not least, were the Kaiser Chiefs. They ran out on stage to be almost drowned in the warm welcome they recieved. Their set, taken almost exclusively from their debut album Employment, continued the night of energetic pop rock with success.
However, things were taken up a notch when Ricky Wilson (vocals) said: "Here's one you'll know" and they launched into Oh my God. The already insane crowd went into overdrive. When the chorus kicked in Wilson jumped head first into the audience for a touch of crowd surfing. Somehow he managed to continue singing throughout. After his return to the stage there was a slight technical hitch with Andrew White's guitar solo. The band hummed that bit and carried on unphased; they returned to the solo after the song concluded.
I predict a Riot, their most famous song to date, prolonged the mania to the end of the show. Other tracks played on the night included Na Na Na Na Na, Time Honered Tradition and Born to be a Dancer.
I have to say I have never seen such an enthusiastic band. Simon Rix (bass), Nick 'Peanut' Baines (keyboards), and Nick Hodgson (drums and vocals) all gave a stunning performance. Wilson is the most hyperactive human being I have seen this side of a primary school play ground.
I didn't think it would be possible to create a performance livelier than on their record; but they managed it. This was the first gig I have been to that I knew every single word to every single song. The gig was completely off it's head and totally fantastic to watch!
Kaiser Chiefs, The Cribs and Hard-Fi played the Rescue Rooms on 7th April 2005.
