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It's
not often you hear the ancient language of Welsh being spoken in
the capital - let alone being sung.
But
even if you don't understand the words, when they're wrapped up
in the impossible-to-dislike melodies of the Super Furry Animals,
it doesn't really matter.
| "Totally
original and on fantastic form, this was undoubtedly one of
the band's best ever shows..." |
By
way of announcing the release of their new singles collection Songbook,
the band had assembled a kind of mini-festival.
Included were other kindred spirits like the psychedelic Zabrinski,
Richard James of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, and former druggie Howard
Marks, providing a confessional booth for repentant gig-goers.
singalong
The audience had come to see the five-piece headliners though, and
their promised three contrasting sets.
First
off, a kind of benevolent acoustic introduction in the venue's ballroom
for those who didn't have tickets for what was to follow.
They
then de-camped to the Festival Hall itself, performing first their
more low-key tunes.
Singer
Gruff Rhys was on note-perfect form as the sublime 'Demons' floated
over what he soon re-christened the "People's Festival Hall".
Other winners from the Welsh-language album Mwng, early singalong
single 'If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You' and the summery optimism
of 'Hello Sunshine' only confirmed how versatile they are.
inspired
If
anyone needed more proof, they returned later with their guitars
plugged in, and vigorously belted out tunes like 'Golden Retriever'
and 'Do Or Die'.
 Everyone
was suddenly on their feet, swiftly forgetting the RFH's usual atmosphere
of reserve.
The band wore their techno heritage on their sleeves with 'Receptacle
For The Respectable', and the pogoing at the front became more frantic
as anti-hero anthem 'The Man Don't Give A..." finished
things off.
Totally
original and on fantastic form, this was undoubtedly one of the
band's best ever shows, the likes of which the Royal/People's Festival
Hall is unlikely to see again for ages.
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