The Wombats Live Review

On Sunday, whilst streaming music and absentmindedly checking all social media outlets, I came across an absolute gem:

@thewombats "London! We’re playing an intimate guest list only show Wednesday night. RSVP here: http://jukely.com/thewombats "

Of course as someone who saw The Wombats live at the O2 Academy Birmingham over seven years ago I couldn't help but feel this free gig was well worth going to.

So, with my friend in toe, we darted North to Nambucca on Holloway Road to ensure we could get entry. In hindsight there was absolutely no need to rush, but hey you never know what to expect when things are offered for free!!

As a very brief bio, The Wombats are an indie rock band from Liverpool. First hitting the music scene in 2003, the Wombats have released a number of great tracks, including the popular "Let's Dance to Joy Division" and "Moving To New York." To date they have released three albums, the most recent being "Glitterbug" which came out in April of this year. For more info on them, check out their website http://www.thewombats.co.uk/

Similar bands/styles to the Wombats are The Pigeon Detectives, The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club.

Arriving on stage at 9.45 the crowd were well and truly fueled up on beer and ready to be entertained. And entertained we were. Playing a mixture of songs from their old and new albums, lead vocalist Matthew Murphy had the crowd well and truly pumped. In the hope of not coming across too 'old' it has certainly been a while since I have been on the cusp of such a wild/frantic mosh pit.

It is no surprise the crowds biggest reaction and cheers came when The Wombats played their two biggest (and most recognised) tracks, as mentioned above, Lets Dance for Joy Division and Moving to New York.

Overall for a last minute free gig I had an absolutely brilliant time. I would certainly pay to see them live...again! Despite it being over seven years between the two gigs I attended by the Wombats, both times I was treated to an excellent night of live music. Currently touring around Europe and then Australia, the Wombats will be back in the UK for Summer festivals (T In The Park, Reading & Leeds). I would certainly recommend seeing them live - their upbeat tracks and energetic set are the perfect mix for a fun night out.

Tour dates: 
July 4th. Godiva Festival - Coventry, UK
July 10th. T in the Park - UK
August 28th. Bramham Park - Leeds, UK
August 29th. Reading Festival - Reading, UK
August 30th. Leeds Festival - Leeds, UK
September 15th. Terminal 4 - NYC
September 28th. Rock City - Nottingham, UK
September 30th. Guildhall - Southampton, UK
October 1st. Alexandra Palace - London, UK
October 2nd. Cardiff University - Cardiff, UK
October 21st. Apollo - Manchester, UK
October 23rd. Mountford Hall - Liverpool, UK

For more information on tour dates please check out: http://www.thewombats.co.uk/tour/

The Kooks

I love, love, love The Kooks!

I saw this band live last year and had a great time. The Kooks are an indie pop band from Brighton, UK and first hit the music scene in 2004. The Kooks have to date released three albums "Inside In/ Inside Out," "Konk" and "Junk of the Heart."

Popular songs by The Kooks include She Moves In Her Own Way, Shine On, Oo La, Seaside, Do Ya Wanna and Naive.

I saw this band in Hyde Park London where they were one of the main acts (other acts included The Killers) to perform at the Hard Rock Calling. Due to them playing in a Park the atmosphere was unreal. Luke Pritchard (lead singer) is not only a great singer with a sexy voice, but a great energetic performer who has the ability to get the entire crowd singing and dancing to all their songs. With their collection of feel good songs, it comes to know surprise that The Kooks have attracted a large fan base over the years. With this in mind I would therefore suggest you buy tickets to see this awesome British band soon as tickets will sell fast.

Tour dates:
27th May. Northern Lights - Clifton, NY
29th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
20th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
7th September. Wembley Arena - London, UK (supporting Noel Gallagher)

For more information regarding tickets and their North America and Europe tour dates check out; http://www.songkick.com/artists/349047-kooks/calendar?page=1