Kings of Leon, (Festival Hall, January 8th)

Festival Hall is an odd venue. Being on the wooden floor packed in among hundreds of other music fans feels a bit scary. It would be worse in the mosh pit, although it seemed under control. It's hot and stuffy and the floor is sticky, but there's a certain atmosphere you just don't get at other venues. Maybe it was the band itself, and the kind of music they play. It definitely inspired a fervent response from the devoted members of the crowd who sang along when inspired and even repeated the 'whoa-oa-oa-oa-oh!' from Knocked Up multiple times, in perfect timing and pitch.

The opening track Black Thumbnail was a great choice as it immediately captured the crowd's enthusiasm and energy. This was followed by Taper Jean Girl, King of the Rodeo, My Party, Milk, a few tracks from their first album Youth and Young Manhood and then more from Because of the Times- McFearless, Charmer, the popular Fans, Arizona and Camaro. After closing the set with a song I'd never heard (it seemed new, from the response of most of the crowd- sitting down!), they opened the encore with Knocked Up and then closed with Slow Night, So Long from Aha Shake Heartbreak.

A few tracks I'd like to have heard weren't played- Pistol of Fire, True Love Way and Day Old Blues, most notably. But on the whole it was a tight performance. The band seemed to enjoy themselves, the crowd was enthusiastic and it was a great evening. Very different to a night out seeing Jose, though.