Sam Fender’s highly anticipated debut album ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ was released September 13, after a considerable delay, and before the release date, a short gig in Pryzm took place Monday 10 September.
A venue normally hosting your one pound jager bomb nights took centre stage with an anxious crowd awaiting the singer/songwriter to take to the DJ podium/dancefloor.
A mixture of old and young among the crowd, standing on the balcony or at the top of the stairs, no one was missing this.
Out Fender came, or so people thought as a big cheer went up for his keyboard player.
There he is! Straight into it: “This tune is the gospel…” ‘Millennial’ off the bat. A lively and fitting song to play in what once was an Oceana.
This was a 45-minute set featuring a couple of short sentences from the South Shield’s man. A highlight being the comedic attempt to get the lights shining on the crowd, which resulted in the light operator shining the spotlight on Sam for a considerable time. Textbook.
What followed shortly was a heartfelt introduction for his saxophone player – a friend of a brother who’s been a hero of Sam’s since he was a ‘wee lad’ – his words, not mine.
From that introduction, ‘Borders’ – a fanatic, upbeat track with a strong Bruce Springsteen connection. Not the first time that will be mentioned.
A deaf silence soon followed amongst the crowd as ‘Dead Boys’ was delivered. A deeper meaning was echoing around the arena in the realisation of the power behind the lyrics.
Right, back to it. Out the dream machine and into reality. “Let’s see a moshpit for this one…”
‘Spice’ flowing out the amps as the sticky floor took a hammering. A heavy and energetic song that was one of the released tracks from Sam’s “Dead Boys – EP”.
Short and snappy lyrics entice you to sing-a-long and belt out the tune.
Recognisable picking followed, ‘Play God’ the track that catapulted Sam Fender onto the radio scene and into the FIFA soundtrack Hall of Fame.
Mr Saxophone returned for ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ and a track that defines Sam Fender and his Springsteen influence. The track depicting the modern society about getting by while ignoring the problems of this world.
‘That Sound’ closed the set before the band walked off with fans questioning whether an encore would be on the cards. The roadie ended the rumours as he unplugged the mic. End of the night.
Overall, it was a well put together show, considering it was brief and the venue is normally covered in student discounts. A real stand-out performer with a killer voice who surrounds himself with a close-knit band who have supported him from the start.
Sam Fender will be touring later this year again (December in London), and he is a sure recommendation for a vibrant night of good alternative-rock music.
Sam Fender Live
Pryzm
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