Life - London - Review

'Oh what a wonderful Life'

I know what you're thinking "He's only gone and used that awful pun.. again" because if you know me, you'll have seen me use that incredible line nearly everytime I've mention this lovely little Hull based 4 piece and you're damn right I'll be using it for the headline of my first write up for them.

Now Life are a band I've come across a number of times in recent years, starting back in 2016 at Bexhills De La Warr Pavilion supporting new wave punk duo Slaves which is always a hard slot to step into but boy did they manage. I've been lucky enough to cross paths with these rowdy Hullensians at festivals and support slots around the UK and can't help but be drawn in by this frontman with a very hands on relationship with himself and the mindless need to dance who just cant help but steal the show time and time again, no doubt with incredible passion from the rest of the band who make it seem like they were born holding instruments straight onto a stage. This post punk-quad have been shredding the stage for the last few years now pulsating with support after every gig even attracting the attention of some big name bands like Slaves and Idles who have openly spoken of their fondness for the group and I can hardly say I blame them.

With tonight's venue being Londons legendary MOTH Club (and it finally being my first attendance at a Life headliner) I already knew we'd be in for a treat, not many venues manage to achieve the ethereal aura that this Hackney ex serviceman's club can create, with glitter painting the ceiling and its gold shimmer backdrop you cant help but feel happy here.

"This room is exciting" starts ringing through the microphone as the band waltz onstage all donned in black, the bassline starts to come through as the lights go down and the night is officially beginning, they burst straight into the loud and energetic 'Excites Me' and the crowd are equally excited. Shouting and dancing through songs from their latest album 'A Picture Of Good Health' the energy in the room is building behind every song between Mez, the bands singer, dedicating 'Half Pint Fatherhood' to his son Gus and a plethora of Tory slander from band and fans alike during their political anthem 'Euromillions'. In a set far from short of flying jump kicks from the beautifully angry Mick on guitar and bassist Lydia's sense of adventure clambering onto the amps and into the crowd, the band finally announce it's time to get stuck into the singles which is met with a roar from the beer soaked crowd. The rest of the night is scattered with such a gracious sense of groove throughout the last few songs, particularly their dance-punk single 'Bum Hour' having the whole crowd swinging their hips like something I've never seen at a rock show before. Mez clambers onto the hungry fans at the front of the stage to bellow out the last few lines of the night surfing his way around the venue, leaving just enough room for a pair of brave fans to jump up onstage and steal Lydia's mic to help sing along, the night rings out to the familiar fast paced beat of 'Popular Music' and I guess that's just one of many many ways to describe the tunes this glorious band thrash out on stage with everything they've got.

nINE / tEN