Gig Review: Foxes @ Concorde 2, Brighton

Foxes- Concorde 2, Brighton 11/5/16

Sometimes I like to break from the norm and go and see an artist that is totally different from the rock or indie gigs that I tend to frequent. So was the case when I saw that Foxes had a date in my neck of the woods.

 It was a bit of a spontaneous decision to go, I hadn't planned on going until about a fortnight before; lucky, as the original tour had been postponed due to illness. As it turned out, I had made the right decision to go.

Promoting her second album 'All I Need', which was released earlier this year, Foxes, real name Louisa Rose Allen, brought her exciting brand of "experimental pop" to a packed Concorde 2 in Brighton. The setlist included singles 'Body Talk' and 'Better Love' as well as favourites off her debut including the title track 'Glorious' and the phenomenal 'Youth'. She also wasn't afraid to show her vulnerable side with tracks such as 'If You Leave Me Now' before finishing the set with the wonderful 'Let Got For Tonight'.

As a performer she is fantastic. She has a great vocal range, demonstrated when she held some impressive long notes, and dances around the stage with bounds of energy. At the same time however she was very humble, taking time to stress how grateful she was that everybody had come out to support her and her music. A special mention should also go to her backing band, a very talented group of musicians who take a back seat but provide the backbone for Foxes to do her thing.

All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. From 'lighters in the air' moments to having the whole room bouncing she held the audience and they responded accordingly. She arrived on the back of huge criticial acclaim and from where I was standing I can see exactly what the fuss is about.  Definitely an artist to check out during the summer festival season.

Gig Review: We Are Scientists @ Concorde 2, Brighton

We Are Scientists- Concorde 2, Brighton

We Are Scientists might not be one of the household names when you think of indie bands from the 2000s, but dismiss them at your peril.  On the road promoting their latest album 'Helter Seltzer', they finished the tour in style on the south coast. The Californian trio, fronted by guitarist and singer Keith Murray and bassist Chris Cain, bought their electrifying brand of indie rock to a packed out Concorde 2 and left the place buzzing.

It was my first time seeing them live. I was due to see them at a festival last summer, but due to the dreaded timing clash at festivals, I wasn't able to catch them. I rectified that though when I saw the date in Brighton come up. I'm glad I did, they were fantastic.

With five albums behind them, they have a strong pool of songs to choose from and playing hits such as 'Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt', 'Rules Don't Stop' and 'The Great Escape' they didn't disappoint. There was a great atmosphere with people up on shoulders and huge sing alongs, especially to their biggest hit 'After Hours'. Even the new songs such as 'Buckle' and 'In My Head' went down well with the crowd. 

They may have been part of the Indie scene that gained popularity in the mid-00s, but they still sound fresh and current. Their stage show is lively and they offer a good interaction with the crowd. This was typified with Keith Murray ending the night in the crowd during the encore. All in all, it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable evening. If you get a chance to see them at a festival this summer, it will be a good way to spend your time.