GIG REVIEWS
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GIG REVIEWS |
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New Found Glory & You Me At Six
@ Leeds Cockpit 7.02.08 www.vanguard-online.co.uk The rock press has been generally favourable to Surrey pups You Me At Six, which isn’t particularly surprising when you consider they are yet another stereotypical Americanised emo act with stereotypical asymmetrical haircuts. Technical gremlins may trouble the band’s performance but the songs still drown under a sea of mediocrity that’s too busy chasing trends, not setting standards. All that’s missing is a stereotypical emo band name. Hmm, then again… This being the band’s third city appearance in less than twelve months, have longstanding Florida quintet New Found Glory adopted Leeds as their second home? Perhaps so, as guitarist Chad Gilbert is quick to point out that the Cockpit was their first ever UK show back in 2001. A swiftly arranged show after a co-headliner with Paramore at the University fell through, tonight’s sold-out performance is an energetic run through of minor hits including ‘Hit & Miss’ and ‘Dressed To Kill’ as well as four tracks from their new covers album. Introducing Go West’s ‘King Of Wishful Thinking’ as ‘a song by a British group who weren’t very good’ typically results in a insincere mickey take that begs the question, why cover it in the first place? NFG’s version of Sixpence None The Richer’s ‘Kiss Me’ better suits the band’s playful pop-punk, whilst maximum points for bravery are awarded for their commendable take on Bob Dylan‘s ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’. Bare-chested Ian Grushka, who these days resembles a bass-playing Brian Blessed, excitedly darts about the stage as vocalist Jordan Pundik happily shares his space with countless stage invaders. Despite a tendency to sound a trifle watery on occasion, New Found Glory’s buoyant enthusiasm wins out as they sensibly save their key song, ‘My Friends Over You’, until last. Great fun, so long as you’re not digging for anything deeper. |