Courteeners LIVE @ 100 Club, Oxford St 15.07.14

Rating:

A self-confessed Courteeners fan, I have to admit I was giddy as a kipper as I made my way to London’s 100 club on Tuesday evening. Having gained legendary status in modern British music and playing host to live music since 1942, it felt pretty special to be able to see the band play in such an iconic, intimate venue.

It wasn’t surprising that the gig sold out in two minutes, having a modest £20 ticket price. Even better, there were barely any tickets on scout sites which was proof that those who were lucky to score a ticket was damn well keeping a hold of it. A refreshing change.

Having missed the beginning of the show I was welcomed with an overwhelmingly energetic crowd. A sweating, singing, spirited mass of people all there getting amongst it.

It wouldn’t be a Courteeners gig without them playing their old stuff, but their new songs really stood out. Debuting ‘Small Bones’, ‘Summer’ and ‘How good was it’, front man Liam Fray confessed to being a little rusty as it had been a while since they played live, but they sounded tight as fuck – testament to their talent as a band, and musicians. You could really tell they were buzzing off the crowd which was confirmed with the genuine relief/ thank you/ good night speech. The new songs fitted in perfectly and the new album looks set to be one of the albums of 2014. It could be the album that pushes them one step further and towards the top of festival bills. They already have one of the most dedicated followings in British music and they could be set to soar to the highest highs…

On my way out I overheard a fella say ‘that were fucking brilliant, I’d go to Reading now just to see them’…I couldn’t agree more.

All in all, top gig.