The View

I for one have always intended to see The View perform live but the opportunities have always seemed to pass me by. Not tonight.

My anticipation to witness them perform their classic indie-rock sound is building.

Hailing from Dundee, their career which now spans a decade is one of an enigma.

From initially gaining recognition by Pete Doherty himself and in return being offered a support slot for The Libertines, to having a platinum selling UK number One album for their debut LP 'Hats off to the Buskers', they have never seemed to exceed these heights. Heights which their songwriting abilities would suggest are well within reach.

Mind you, with a permanent ban from crossing the pond and also entering Japan due to cocaine possession, it would seem lead singer Kyle Falconer has a bit to answer for.

The venue, hidden within London's iconic O2 Arena is a strange choice. Essentially a twelve lane bowling alley accompanied with tables for wining and dining. Finished with a small stage limiting any real movement for the band.

That aside, the band delivered a solid sounding hour and a half set to no more than 400 onlookers.

The set, featuring twenty tracks taken from their five LP's is energetic and frantically paced. With very little time for crowd interaction between songs, any of which proving difficult to interpret. It's all about the music.

It's clear to me from set opener 'Glass Smash', taken from their second LP 'Which Bitch?' that these can play. If it isn't for the faint sound of bowling balls hitting pins in the background, I could easily be listening through my earphones.

As expected, the biggest reaction comes from the opening power chord of favourites such as 'Wasted Little DJ's'. Here Kyle Falconer signs, 'They told me if I write this song for them, they would cut my hair for free'. A brilliant line inspired by two blonde girls from his hometown, responsible for his characteristic appearance.

Other set highlights include 'How Long', arguably their poppiest track to date with a repetitive beat and chorus. Just shy of three minutes in length, this was undoubtedly a crowd pleaser. For 'Skag Trendy', Kyle swaps to take on bass duties as Kieren Webster takes to rhythm and temporary front man.

Although the hour and a half is largely filled with tunes from their debut, new tracks from their 'Ropewalk' LP are well received. Tracks such as 'Living' and 'Under the Rug' seem a far cry from the sound of their earlier material, really reinforcing Kyle as a great lyricist and singer.

Unfortunately with the guitars cranked up, the many clever lyrical references and vocals go unnoticed at times; 'Pondering times of sanctuary. He was sitting taking his piano lessons, we were on half an E', taken from 'The Don'.

The atmosphere becomes more intense as the crowd wait for set favourite 'Face for the Radio'. Simply put, a superbly crafted acoustic number with words we all relate to. Interestingly, Kyle swaps his acoustic with lead guitarist Pete Reilly mid way through to play the songs melodic solo.
Vocals, rhythm, bass and now lead. Talent at its finest.

Finally their hit single 'Same Jeans' sounds to rapturous applause. Even from the bowlers.

'Superstar Tradesman' along with a brief stage invasion, concludes a great set. Momentarily Kyle and co were joined by 30 backing vocalists, before being scuffled off stage.

All in all, I'm left pondering over the choice of venue. Regardless, strike or spare. A great evening was had by all.