The Verse’s Izzy Goddard reviews The Faim and Lower Than Atlantis, who played at Concorde 2 on 15th April 2018.
The Faim
This Australian band, formed in 2014, took over the stage on Sunday night with their bold and loud opening song. They had the crowd instantly engaged and feeling the music. Nearing the end of their tour meant they were giving it 100% throughout their performance. If you haven’t heard of The Faim, I’d definitely recommend giving them a listen – especially if you’re into alternative rock!
They continued with a song called Infamous, starting with beautifully haunting vocals which filled the modest Concorde 2; the deep drums and pop-like chorus had us intrigued and wanting more.
The lead vocalist, Josh Raven, had the audience singing, and throwing our hands in the air. He came down to the audience’s level to deliver his uplifting vocals and hold hands with people, really connecting and exciting the quickly-growing crowd.
The Faim finished with their first release Saints of Sinners, leaving everyone on a high and ready for Lower Than Atlantis. They seemed so grateful to be on stage and had a brilliant time performing. Speaking to the guitarist, Michael Bono, after their set, he said that he was enthusiastic about their return to the UK; he is excited for The Faim to keep sharing their uplifting music to many more crowds.
Lower Than Atlantis
The Faim were followed by British punk band Milk Teeth, whose constant aggressive rock filled the room – they had an amazing performance seeing as their lead singer was away due to health circumstances. Then, the act everyone had been waiting for took to the stage with their hit Had Enough from latest album Safe In Sound. Having previously said the album contains pop-like elements, I now take this back. The more appropriate word for their music is power! They centred the stage and had everyone going wild for their music. They addressed the audience with passion, knew that they belonged on stage, and were going to enjoy their show. And boy, they did just that.
The energy in the room was one I have never felt before. Everyone sang along to Get Over It, I Would, and their finale song Here We Go. Mike Duce, the lead vocalist, had everyone involved, getting audience members to crowd surf to the front of the sea of people. The audience jumped and danced and Duce jumped in himself with his guitar, making sure no-one would forget the amazing night. The group were in your face and made the whole venue feel the music – even the security guards were dancing at one point.
The highlight for me was Duce brought out his acoustic guitar. Coming into the audience, he created a circle right in the middle of the venue. He told everyone to sit down for his acoustic cover of the classic song Another Sad Song from album World Record in 2011. Everyone belted out the tune in unison and the positive energy created an evening to remember, one that you couldn’t get in a ‘fancy arena’ (as Mike described it).
I would highly recommend seeing Lower Than Atlantis live next time they are in town!
Featured image: The Faim, courtesy of Ian Cheek Press
