Secret Meeting score: 85

by Joss Croasdale

It is close to five years since Friendly Fires played their last show. That, coupled with complete radio silence from their camp, left many fans assuming that such a lengthy hiatus meant the band would never return to the stage. However, after series of teaser clips via their social media at the back end of last year, gig dates appeared and thankfully confirmed their reawakening.

The band opened with Lovesick, from their debut self titled album, and it was as if they’d never been away. Its disco rhythms, bass line and melodies coupled with frontman, Ed Macfarlane’s infectious ‘snake hips’ dance moves, had the whole room gyrating with him. At the end of the song, Macfarlane’s sincere acknowledgement to the audience displayed an honesty that showed just how much it meant to the band.

With the opener sounding as tight and well rehearsed as ever, the band slid into Jump In The Pool – the 2008 single – with its unmistakable vocal harmonies, that allowed the crowd to lose all inhibitions and become as one in a collective consciousness.

The first introduction of new material came in the form of Can’t Wait Forever – a pop song with masses of groove, a prominent brass section and an 80’s inspired disco funk that wouldn’t be out of place next to Wham’s Club Tropicana. Yes, five years may have passed since second album Pala, but this is very much the archetypal Friendly Fires’ song.

Live Those Days Tonight, a song written about having missed out on the acid-house/rave culture, which was a movement that clearly shaped the band’s sound, and inspired their love of analog synths was another taste from Pala, before they continue their set with the slow grooves of the title track from album number two – thus offering a moment’s respite before fan favourite, Blue Cassette, again raises the tempo.

Ed Macfarlane’s fan engagement throughout is a representation of how great it is to be back. This didn’t appear to be a band who’ve reformed for a pay cheque, and most certainly not a band going through the motions or making a last ditch attempt. Jack Savidge’s drums were metronomic, technically sound and consistent throughout each song in the set, his mix of dance floor beats with Latin percussion’s helped bring the band’s carnival vibes to the forefront, and Edd Gibson’s beaming smile matched the layers of sound that erupted from his guitar.

Love Like Waves was another live debut from the band with teaser clips via their social media suggesting this track will be unleashed through their website at 7:30pm on Thursday evening. Fans may recognise a previous version of the song which was produced by the band in collaboration with house DJ/producer, LONE.

The final song of the main set came in the form of Paris – another big hit from their debut album, which had the crowd hanging off Macfarlane’s every word, before they returned for the encore of Hawaiian Air and Kiss of Life which saw the whole room bounce as the song gradually increased its tempo and intensity crescendoing into its climax.

Leaving the venue, the room is one giant smiling, sweating face. Alternative music can often become so bogged down and serious, but Friendly Fires proved it can still be seriously great fun. Now when’s album three going to appear, lads?