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It would be best to begin this review with a confession. I have been a massive Future of the Left fan pretty much since they first formed, from the ashes of the equally awesome Mclusky and the equally insane Jarcrew – something that probably makes me slightly unhinged to some extent. A startlingly individual band, a Future of the Left show acts as a lesson in how to be entertaining, ferocious and original on stage in equal measures.
Openers Blacklisters have similar skills in the entertainment and ferocity stakes. There is nothing overwhelmingly unique about their brand of fiery hardcore influenced noise, but they do it well. The very fact that they seem to be The Cockpit’s support act of choice for any band that is vaguely noisy suggests that people are starting to take notice too. As ever, seeing them live involves copious amounts of razor edged guitar riffs and floor shaking bass lines with frontman Billy Mason-Wood spending half his time in the crowd.
Beefed up to a four piece after the sudden departure of former bassist and co-vocalist Kelson Mathias last year, the latest incarnation of Future of the Left means business. Newly released EP “Polymers are Forever” is a stupendous reminder of everything they do so well. Certainly few other bands manage to be quite so catchy, cynical and darkly funny on record at the same time. Within seconds of opener “Arming Eritrea” launching into its off-kilter, yet surprisingly anthemic, rhythms all eyes are focussed on frontman Andrew ‘Falco’ Falkous as he spits out his lyrics in his seemingly constant state of passionate defiance.
For a set that is regularly put on pause due to technical issues, this is incredibly engaging stuff. Both Falco and guitarist Jimmy Watkins have an element of the stand-up comedian about them. Hecklers are advised not to interrupt either of them in full flow. Despite the clear brilliance of the new material displayed, it is still the older songs that get the best reception. Few bands could write a song name checking a pussycat owned by their drummer and get away with it but, with “Manchasm”, Future of the Left manage it with ease. The inclusion of the odd Mclusky song in the set also pleases long-term fans.
Certainly some were worried about the future of this band when Mathias departed last year but with ex-Million Dead bassist Julia Ruzicka having gelled extremely well with drummer Jack Egglestone they need not have been concerned. This set ends with a young fan on stage with a can of mushroom soup taped to his head, while Falco takes apart the drum kit and Watkins screams “I trusted you” in the direction of said fan. As such oddities occur one is left with the impression that there just aren’t any other bands like this one on the planet, and this simple fact is why they are so important.
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