James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Failsafe are a self-proclaimed melodic/alternative rock band whose recent appearance in the new series of The Inbetweeners has done nothing to harm their already rising reputation as one of the most energetic and exciting live acts on the small venue circuit. With this in mind I was feeling quite excited about what was going to be my first gig at the newly refurbished Fibbers, a top rate quirky venue that has never failed to deliver an intimate yet impressive live experience.
Failsafe were supported by two bands similar in genre but, to be totally honest, nowhere near in terms of quality. Both The Fear and Tomorrow We Radio came across to me as unambitious, unoriginal and just a bit shouty. Now, to be fair, they both fell more on the metal side of this genre which, I am the first to admit, is not my taste in terms of enjoyment or any invested knowledge on my part. Not awful support acts by any means, but the friendly engagement with the crowd did little to disguise their distinctly average performances.
By the time Failsafe took to the stage I was feeling a little rock weary, but to give them their credit, when they came on I found myself eating my internal words. They are a fantastic live group. Front man Jim conjured an instant rapport with a - at first - relatively reluctant and paltry crowd. Though with Failsafe it was not just an affable act that I could applaud; the breakneck riffs, which they are acclaimed for, came hard and fast and caught me in an unexpected half mosh. Also, vocally you could really detect the difference in quality between warm up and main event as the lyrics were not merely lost indistinguishably in the heavy guitars, but in fact complemented and enhanced the innovative and rock steady hooks being bellowed out by lead guitarist Matt. So energetic was his playing that he broke several strings during the performance!
Expectantly buoyed from their appearance in the most popular and original teen comedy for years, Failsafe strike me as a band full of confidence and with the world at their feet. All great bands prove themselves on the live stage and although this is not my area of musical expertise I thoroughly enjoyed the high energy and forthcoming performance that this talented young band gave even to a sparsely filled brand spanking new Fibbers set up.
Their new single 'Routines' was a personal highlight of mine and I think it signals the progression of a band I have high hopes for. I look forward to their impending new album with high expectations.
Failsafe will be playing The Red Room, Nottingham, on the 6th November.
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