Despite their absence to the stage, Welsh six-piece Lostprophets didn't fail to wow there fans with yet another bold and energetic live performance. With a dynamic entrance aided by the use of strobe lighting and special effects, let's say the opening to the show was as far from what you'd expect, especially as bands playing the academy (a relatively small venue) usually keep their gigs simple. A warm welcome awaited them and fans screamed and girls swooned at the first sign of life on stage. This gig could be considered a landmark for the band as not only was it a long awaited comeback show, it was the first time that Lostprophets had been accompanied on stage by new drummer, Luke Johnson. The crowd, chanting his name, welcomed him whole-heartedly.
The choice for the opening song, the song that must immediatly excite and enthuse the audience, was somewhat risky. The band played a new track fom their highly anticipated latest album, "the Betrayed", due to be released this autumn. Despite the fact that only the true diehards were singing along word for word to this unfamiliar melody, catchy lyrics and punchy riffs really got the crowd going. Success.
However, it wasn't really until the easily recognisable bassline for fan favourite "town called hypocrisy" radiated through the venue that the crowd really peaked in terms of enthusiasm. The atmosphere at this point was overwhelming and it would be no exaggeration to say the whole place was moving. It would seem that Lostprophets were doing something right or perhaps their fans had missed their presence on the stage so much, they felt they should make up for it by making more noise and singing louder than they ever had before.
Vocalist and rock pin-up, Ian Watkins, really knows how to take control of the stage and make sure that all eyes are on him. And they certainly were tonight. There was an attractiveness surrounding his confidence under the limelight as he casually hurled his white taped microphone into the air before catching it effortlessly. Unfortunatly, this has been seen too many times before. So maybe it wouldn't be too much to ask of Watkins to pull a new trick out of his sleeve before playing Leeds and Reading festival sceduled to take place the following weekend.
Admittedly, the set was long especially for a band who hadvn't played live in just over a year. So it was understandable that by half way in, they starting to look a bit worse for wear. It was obvious that the time they had spent couped up in the studio recording and producing their new album had really taken it out of them. Breaks were regular inbetween songs where the band members would stop for water, Watkins the worse even having to sit down to regain his breath. Maybe if he didn't prance about on stage showing off his admitedly much improved physique and perfectally styled hair, he wouldnt have felt so tired out.
Despite this, the band pulled through. Winning the hearts of us all with songs such as "Shinobi Vs Dragon ninja", "burn burn" and the Lostprophets "national anthem" "last train home". It was endearing to hear the whole room screaming the words with such passion and genuine excitement. The entertainment didn't stop at the songs however. The band joked around talking to the crowd as if they were close friends. The subject quickly turned to Leeds festival, something Lostprophets were clearly looking forward to. It was anybody's guess that Lostprophets were not fans of musically acclaimed band "Radiohead" who are also sharing the mainstage this year. In a suprsingly shocking statement, Watkins exclaimed, "Raiohead can suck my cock" recieving applause and laughter from the audience.
All in all, the night was enjoyable. The setlist boasted popular songs that all sang along to, everyone from the diehards in their faded "start something" tshirts to those who'd been reluctantly dragged to the gig by their other half. The new songs were recieved well and the new album looks set to takeover the alternative music scene. Who knows, maybe this could bring the band into the mainsteam? Check back for a full album review at the time of release. XO
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