Some bands never get past the notion that their early records contain the “essence” of their music. A relic of four or five friends writing songs out of sheer joy or desperation before A & R guys and radio pluggers started to interfere.
Perhaps spurred on by the commercial merry-go-round of his previous life, Charlie Simpson and FIGHTSTAR have appeared to stand their ground. They have left record labels and released music through their management in order to follow their artistic direction. As if to reinforce their integrity, the entrance music for this evening’s performance contains three songs by The Clash played back to back.
After the screaming statement of intent which characterised their debut, Fightstar appear to be maturing or mellowing depending on your perspective. Their choruses are the stuff of a major label’s wet dream, containing more than a hint of the pop sensibilities that Simpson allegedly ran away from five years ago. After being A-listed by Radio 1 and a well received set on the mainstage at Reading and Leeds last year, they seem ready to announce themselves as the Kings of British Alternative Rock. But is this necessarily where they want to go?
After taking the stage Simpson duly observes “you sound like you’re up for a party tonight”. While this quip could have been taken from a Busted live album, it’s notable that the hysteria he created with pre-pubescent girls is unmistakeably present here. With the slightest direction, rows upon rows of his followers erupt into mass screaming and routine hand claps. I suppose this sort of thing is expected when you write choruses as universal as “I will never give up on you…”
Still, throughout the early set loaded with recent material, Fightstar seem strangely unmoved. After a run of City on Fire and Chemical Blood, the band stumbles over the intro to what should have been a consolidating Mercury Summer. While Simpson jokes it off claiming “everyone reviewing this will be like… that was shit”, he’s wrong. It’s actually the first moment you are aware of something real happening. The majority of the crowd are oblivious though, and the singalong to the chorus is genuinely touching.
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After appeasing the new fans Fightstar appear to finally cut loose. While songs from the first album are greeted with couples walking to the bar, the band gain a sense of purpose. The front five rows willingly haul themselves into the barrier and the obligatory metal circle pit soon forms in the middle of the hall. Although the synchronised head-banging is a little hard to stomach, it’s at these moments you realise how thrilling those early Fightstar gigs must have been.
This attitude of defiance is kept up until the end. As they finish their set with 'Palahniuk's Laughter', their first release, what should have been a band taking control of their history instead appears as a band reconnecting with why they formed in the first place.
As he leaves the stage Simpson thanks the fans present “for supporting Fightstar for the past five years”. Perhaps it would be more fitting if he thanked the fans that weren’t there. They may be more receiving of where this band appears to be heading.
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