Hard Fi - London Dublin Castle - 26/7/07
5/5
By: Andy Willson
If the posters scattered around the venue are to be believed, tonight is a private party. But those lucky enough to get a Wonka 'golden ticket', they know what 'private party' really means. It's been a good 12 months (a fleeting visit to Glastonbury to exorcise some demons aside) since Hard-Fi have played to a live audience, having taken the time out to perfect soon to be released follow up album 'Once Upon A Time In The West', and tonight is about previewing some material from said album. 'Bat Out Of Staines' was one toyed with title, but judging by tonight's performance, it might have been entirely appropriate.
Nothing of playing it safe, from the word go Hard-Fi kick straight into latest single 'Suburban Knights', with chants of 'Woo Woo Woo' and 'Ehh Ehh Ehh' echoing around the tiny confines of The Dublin Castle, their raw energy bouncing from every wall. Despite the success of 'Stars Of CCTV' the boys stay true to their roots, no Prada, just Fred Perry's all round, apart from Kai of course who is wearing a Pete Townsend style Union Jack shirt (there's always one!).
Their ranks have swollen with the addition of Tom on keyboards, here to help Steve focus on his drumming duties. Playing live, cobwebs all dusted off, 'Gotta Reason' follows, its familiar chugging baseline embracing the crowd like an old friend. Back to some more new stuff, 'Television' showing a much heavier sound, it's a track which has to be the next single for sure. The flamenco-like 'I Shall Overcome' shows a more mature side to Richard's lyrics, that now, their songs aren't just about growing up in a crappy London overspill town.
Richard proclaims that it's great to be back, before he reminds us that the last time they played this venue was two and a half years ago. "It was f**king chaos then, but there's more to go wrong now!", he notes. He's spot on, because as they start 'Hard To Beat' it would appear that Ross's guitar has been unplugged accidentally by a member of the crowd. Richard spots the culprit, finds out who he is, and tells everyone that 'Scotty' did it, but that Scotty's very sorry...
Because the Dublin Castle is so small, rather than leaving the stage and coming back on for an encore, Richard gets the crowd to chant for more and pretend that they've left. After a couple of minutes or screaming and begging they have time for 2 firm favourites, 'Stars Of CCTV' and set closer 'Living For The Weekend'.
From what we've witnessed tonight, 'Once Upon A Time In The West' will be one of the albums of the year. Mike Skinner proudly boasts that he writes bangers, not anthems, but Hard-Fi write anthem after anthem without shame. It might not change your life, but it'll own a place in your heart.
Five stars (of CCTV).
Set List:- Suburban Knights / Gotta Reason / Television / I Shall Overcome / Tied Up Too Tight / Can't Get Along / We Need Love / Cash Machine / Hard To Beat / Stars Of CCTV / Living For The Weekend
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