Bounding onstage in a trademark trilby, Paul Smith and co kick things off by treating The Leadmill to a few newbies from latest offering Risk To Exist. The title track pretty much sums up the band’s current schtick; a hard-hitting dose of social commentary wrapped up in a danceable indie-pop number. Opening track ‘What Did We Do To You To Deserve This?’ showcases this perfectly, with lyrics questioning the damaging effect of political elitism whilst warming the audience up with undeniable groove.
But it’s not all serious stuff. The loveable Geordie foursome bring the fun throughout the show belting out old favourites ‘Our Velocity’, ‘Going Missing’ and ‘Girls Who Play Guitars’ with familiar gusto, joking with the crowd as if old friends about finishing the show with some karaoke favourites. Smith’s go-to is Sting, in case you’re wondering. Though that turn of events would undoubtedly be entertaining, we’re instead given an energetic rendition of album toe-tapper ‘What Equals Love?’ before an encore of indie-disco staple ‘Apply Some Pressure’. Latest single ‘Get High (No I Don’t)’ concludes the show, which judging from audience reaction is fast-becoming as cherished as the band’s mid-noughties counterparts.
