Wild Beasts feat. Crayon Fields : Gig Review

What seemed like the most humid night of the year thus far resulted in my friend and I trekking across town to East Brunswick. Let me paint a picture; it was raining, so I felt obliged to take a jacket, but it was hot – possibly too hot for a jacket.

We were going to a gig, so it was evident that the temperature would rise once we got in there. I was faced with my own plethora of dilemmas, and we hadn’t even left the house yet.

Induced by goon, Carlton Draught and a lack of food, we made our way into the midst of the East Brunswick Club to what seemed like a handful of people, all awkwardly laughing at the “jokes” being made by the lead singer of the opening act. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Crayon Fields.

If there was an award for Most Awkward Band, I’d say these guys would have a very good chance of winning.

Faced with technical issues with their equipment, the lead singer of the four-piece band went on to talk about his “milk carton” t-shirt and ranting in mumbles, leaving the crowd gauchely clapping and laughing whilst awaiting the news that the equipment was ready to use. I could just remember internally hoping and praying that their music were better than his jokes. The four of them stood on the stage, all bar the frontman looking to the ground to find solace in not making eye contact with the diminutive crowd.

They got given the all-clear and began to play. A sigh of relief hit onlookers.

Genuinely looking uncomfortable on stage, the band played their instruments with enthusiasm. Fun enough to bob along to, it became apparent that each song had the exact same rhythm. So much so, that my friend and I could anticipate what the next song was going to sound like. Kudos to them, though; they played with as much pizzazz as four shy, young lads could.

Eventually, their half hour set came to an end. The crowd gradually began to grow in numbers as the arrival of Wild Beasts drew nearer and nearer.

And then the beasts arrived.

Donning the venue with almost complete darkness, a few meagre lights lit the front of the room as the four Kendall-raised gentlemen graced the stage. Taking to their respective instruments, it was evident that the entire audience was entranced.

Opening with a voiceover soundtrack that created a startling yet solemn sentiment, they began to play their instruments with such fierce; both vocalists using their respective voice to greatly dismantle each individual song that the band performed.

For a set that seemed to fly by in no time, the band kept the crowd amused and entertained throughout the entire performance. Playing an array of diverse sounding songs, from their coarse tracks to their more buoyant ones, individuals were given the chance to both sway to some and jig to others.

There’s a reason why Wild Beasts are one of the biggest hype bands on 2010. A dynamic group, their show is really not to be missed. If ever given the opportunity to check these guys out: take it. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.