How fitting that Brighton’s very own dream boys Fur would release their EP and play a very special Brighton headline show around Valentine’s Day. For the quartet are this generation’s quintessential romance band. The leader of a burgeoning scene of 50s throwbackers, also including the likes of Trudy and the Romance, Her’s and their support on the night, Honey Moon, Fur are one of the most exciting indie bands in the country. This show, too, was further proof of that, with the band bringing their debut EP to Patterns in some style. Magical and spellbinding, and witnessed by an enthusiastic and adoring crowd, Fur truly are infectiously affectionate.
The loving and tender atmosphere in the venue was kicked-off by Heist or Hit signees Honey Moon. Having seen them previously, in support slots for Her’s and Pizzagirl, they continue to impress with their soothing, yet potent, take on 50s rock and roll. An exceptionally confident live outfit, who appear to be loving every second of being on stage, the likes of ‘(Why Do You Think You’re So) Special?’ and ‘Tripping (On the Thought of You)’ are beautifully adoring gems that evoke the soothing melodies of Roy Orbison. A perfect example of the perfect support for a headliner, Honey Moon are bound to have a load more fans as a result of this performance.
If Honey Moon’s ode to the 50s wasn’t enough to persuade you that the 50s and 60s aesthetic and sound are making a comeback, then the crowd singing along to the likes of Elvis Presley, The Carpenters and The Hollies before Fur’s arrival should have been enough. It has to be said that the atmosphere all night was absolutely electric, and none more so than when the Brighton four-piece made their way to the stage. Potentially the band’s first Brighton headline show where everyone seems to be a genuine fan of them, this felt like a huge occasion.
Thus, Fur, dutifully, brought their A-game. Celebrating the release of their debut EP, the band played every song on the record. From tender set opener ‘Him and Her’, to the Alex Turner-esque ‘Love Song For No One’, which brought a levelled hush to proceedings, it’s further proof that it’s a record brimming with a beautifully tender level of polish. It’s lead single ‘Angel Eyes’, however, that really brought the crowd to life. Arguably one of the best songs by a Brighton band ever, it’s a captivating and charming indie-rock song that was applauded and sung in all the right moments.
Elsewhere, mega-singles ‘If You Know That I’m Lonely’ and ‘What Would I Do?’ proved the band have a knack for an enrapturing pop sound, but it was a cover that produced the highlight of the night. A loving take on Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ proved exactly what the band are about: heartwarming, brooding affection wrapped up in a wicked swagger and, frankly, there’s no reason that, on this evidence, Fur can’t reach the heights of some of rock and roll’s very best. Make no mistake about it, within 18 months Fur will be headlining Brixton Academy.
Liam McMillen
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