Thursday 25th February 2010 @ The Croft, Bristol

For many disheartened fans, the demise of Tonight Is Goodbye came as rather a shock, looking like the end of the musical road for Ant West and co. However, it soon became apparent that it was only the beginning. Emerging from this unexpected break-up came Futures, providing the loyal fans with a silver lining to this cloud. After hearing so much about this band but not yet witnessing a live show of theirs, I decided to catch them on their first ever tour under the new name.

Gracing the city of Bristol with a newfound sense of ambition, the boys from Buckinghamshire had a jam-packed show in store for the punters at the Croft. Starting their set as they mean to go on, the infectiously catchy 16 immediately kicked off the show with a bang, giving the audience a taste of what was to come. Barely stopping for a breather, the songs that followed were as epic as the first, including the first single from the debut album Boy Who Cried Wolf, which had the crowd chanting and clapping along. An entire set of breath-taking tunes strung together with effortless transitions, making Futures such an exciting yet remarkably tight live act. Whether you are enjoying the spectacle or awaiting a violent collision with a headstock, the enthusiastic head banging nonetheless sums up how passionate this band are about the music they play – even if it may result in a hospitalisation before the gigs over.

After this performance, it soon became apparent what all the fuss was about. Futures seem to be going from strength to strength and show no signs of going the same way as their former band. Providing a long-awaited breath of fresh air among an endless supply of stagnant sound-a-likes, they are no doubt heading for big things in the near future. 2010 is going to be an exciting year for this band and I am glad I’ve had the chance to see them live, I just hope it won’t be the last.

www.wearefutures.co.uk

Louis Catlett