LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Los Campesinos! @ Foundry, Sheffield
September 20th 2024
Support from Me Rex
Kicking off the night, London-based MeRex brought a blend of math-core and jangly, indie disco-esque DIY energy that quickly set the evening's tone. With a thick bassline pulsing through the room and raw, addictive energy, their performance was a DIY indie punk bubblegrunge treat. Their excitement to be there was infectious, and even those in the crowd who hadn’t heard of them before seemed instantly won over. It was hard not to get carried away by the band’s sheer joy at being on stage. 'We Are Not Monsters?' stood out, a sweeping, anthemic track with a surprisingly grand feel—almost reminiscent of Bryan Adams. Charming harmonies and their raw, captivating sound made MeRex one of those bands you just know are better live than on record.
By the time Los Campesinos! took the stage, the crowd was buzzing. Frontman Gareth wasted no time jumping straight into the set, at one point remarking that he hadn’t spoken much because, in his words, “When I speak, I talk shit.” The self-deprecating humour didn’t stop there—he also joked about the difference between the new record and the previous one, saying the new one is “critically acclaimed,” while teasing university students in the crowd who didn’t know the band and were just there for something to do.
Los Campesinos! balanced their sharp wit with moments of intensity, as Gareth launched into a passionate political rant about the far-right, government inaction, and the need for mutual aid. He spoke about Palestine and how being in a band with friends is about building something bigger than themselves, emphasising the importance of community in a world that often feels bleak. It was a powerful moment, giving the set a real sense of purpose beyond just feel-good hits.
Musically, they didn’t miss a beat, delivering crowd-pleasers like my personal favourite 'Romance is Boring' and fan favourite 'For Flotsam' with a frenetic energy that left no one standing still. The mix of jangly, introspective twee pop and indie-infused pop-punk with loud, pensive shouts felt both reflective and explosive, especially as they transitioned into an up-tempo jangle explosion in the encore. The four-song encore was capped off with an electrifying drum solo, and the dynamic interplay between Gareth's vocals and Kim’s beautiful backing vocals added to the richness of their sound.
The crowd’s energy mirrored the band’s—at one point, Gareth spotted a guy going mad, who, two songs later, was too knackered to move. By the time Los Campesinos! hit their encore, the crowd’s energy was still as electric as when they first stepped on stage. Even those who’d seemingly burnt themselves out found a second wind, and no one was ready to leave just yet. The encore delivered an explosive drum solo and fast-paced jangle that left everyone buzzing. It was a sharp, loud, brilliantly authentic, and impassioned show—balancing introspective moments with raw energy, and a mix of humour and serious intent that only they can pull off.
