Harry McVeigh and Charles Cave- lead singer and bassist of album chart toppers and perennial doom mongers ‘White Lies’ respectively-might just as well have introduced themselves as Flash Harry and Champagne Charlie, such is the success the band have already enjoyed. Playing intimate gigs such as this at Tunbridge’s ’The Forum’, one suspects, is something White Lies no longer want or need to do. Indeed, the size and nature of the venue was far more appropriate for their support act- the instrument switching ’Post War Years‘- who played their infectious Foals-esque bass-heavy pop to an impressed and swiftly swelling audience.
Then, after a short wait and with front man McVeigh clad in uncharacteristically bichromed attire, White Lies took to the stage. And apart from that choice to opt out of all black for the night in favour of a risqué Lyle & Scott cardigan and grey shirt, there were few surprises- their first live performance since ‘To Lose My Life…’ was predictably clinical, professional and well-rehearsed. They rifled through their album with aplomb, barely acknowledging their fellow band members and only pausing to thank their audience for applause-who, having had barely a week to acquaint themselves with the album- were not as familiar with the foreboding lyrics as they might have been. Yet the ‘…keep on running, there’s no place like home’ refrain on the anthemic ‘Fairwell To The Fairground’ was well-chanted, and gave a tantalising taste of what larger venues and audiences will bring.
Their stand-out track ‘Death’ was unsurprisingly saved until last, and capped a memorable night. It was clear to all in attendance, however, that White Lies have already outgrown venues of this size, and are destined for festival main stages and stadiums- where their dark, cinematic Joy-Division sound will be far better suited . 7/10
Then, after a short wait and with front man McVeigh clad in uncharacteristically bichromed attire, White Lies took to the stage. And apart from that choice to opt out of all black for the night in favour of a risqué Lyle & Scott cardigan and grey shirt, there were few surprises- their first live performance since ‘To Lose My Life…’ was predictably clinical, professional and well-rehearsed. They rifled through their album with aplomb, barely acknowledging their fellow band members and only pausing to thank their audience for applause-who, having had barely a week to acquaint themselves with the album- were not as familiar with the foreboding lyrics as they might have been. Yet the ‘…keep on running, there’s no place like home’ refrain on the anthemic ‘Fairwell To The Fairground’ was well-chanted, and gave a tantalising taste of what larger venues and audiences will bring.
Their stand-out track ‘Death’ was unsurprisingly saved until last, and capped a memorable night. It was clear to all in attendance, however, that White Lies have already outgrown venues of this size, and are destined for festival main stages and stadiums- where their dark, cinematic Joy-Division sound will be far better suited . 7/10
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