The Sunshine Underground live review from Kirkstall Abbey by Rob Johnson
The Sunshine Underground burned brightly back in the indie dance boom of the mid-00s before ultimately falling away. Well, now they’re back for their biggest show in years and they’ve brought some mates with them…
The Futureheads kick things off and they remain one of the most reliable bands on the live circuit. Songs like ‘Decent Days and Nights’ and ‘Meantime’ sound as vital as ever, and a mostly a cappella rendition of ‘Old Dun Cow’ turns all of Kirkstall Abbey into boozy pub singalong. Frontman Barry Hyde splits the crowd down the middle for ‘Hounds of Love’ with each section signing a different vocal part before the chorus crashes in and everyone goes apeshit. It’s a moment. Crucially, it is clear that the Sunderland legends still adore playing these songs, adore the crowd reaction and adore each other. Their enthusiasm is not just infectious, it’s unstoppable.
Hard Fi are less convincing. While there are moments where they recapture some of the old magic, most notably on ‘Cash Machine’ and ‘Living for the Weekend’, the band struggle to match the energy of the other acts and their new material is met with shrugs rather than applause.
White Lies take to the stage with the Abbey ruins towering over them and deliver a biblical set that serves as a stark reminder of just how massive this band is. From the pounding drums of ‘Farewell to the Fairground’ to the driving synth in ‘Bigger Than Us’, this is a band that understands the concept of scale. These are big songs purpose built to be belted out on the biggest stages. The set closes out with a rapturously received rendition of ‘Strangers’ and a truly cinematic run through of ‘Death’. The latter song is the band’s calling card and it’s impossible to resist here especially in such a gorgeous setting.
Despite the quality of the supporting acts, it’s clear who most of the crowd are here to see from the moment that The Sunshine Underground take to the stage. ‘Wake Up’ gets the crowd going before ‘Commercial Breakdown’ proves to be an early set highlight. More dance orientated than many of their peers, TSU know how to bring the party, and the sound, crisp throughout, really comes together for the headliner. ‘Coming to Save You’ and ‘Panic Attack’ keep things moving nicely but it is ‘Put You In Your Place’ and particularly ‘Borders’ that get the biggest reaction. In a rare moment of clarity, I look around during the latter song and everyone is singing, or hugging or simply laughing into the West Yorkshire sky. It’s truly a joy to behold.
TSU have been away for ten years and they have been missed. On this evidence, it surely won’t be another ten years before we hear from them again. This homecoming gig will go down as an unqualified success. Ladies and gentlemen, the band are back.
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