Hard-Fi. A name you probably didn't think you'd hear so soon after their rockin’ return to the stage last year. After riding the mid-2000s indie wave, the band faded into the background to pursue a quieter life amongst other things; a 10-year absence eclipsed by a live renaissance of biggest hits urged both the band and the fans to reconnect with their music. Now armed with a setlist artillery of electronic-infused anthems, they’re reminding us once again why they remain such a vital force in UK music scene. Rock City: let's have at you...
Local lads The Publics injected an impish flair into the evening. Brash and brassy in their intensity, they’ve quickly harnessed a driving sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. They offered a perfect segue into Better Joy, who brought their own punchy set to reinforce the indie rock leanings of the night with fresh energy. It’s just a shame that both support acts were privy to such a poor turnout – note to readers, always show up for the supporting artists! You could discover your new favourite band.
A tale as old as time: Middle Eastern Holiday opens up the show as usual. Hard-Fi take to the stage to jeers and heckles like that amongst good friends, the synonymous security camera back-dropped behind them. A motif that symbolises a nurtured surveillance different to that of the humdrum of bygones: they are indeed always watching, and they are indeed always wanting. Frontman Richard Archer directly engages with audience members who are jumping higher, who are shouting the words a lot louder; the band are just as grateful to be here tonight, if not more.
The setlist drew heavily from their noughties nuggets of hits, with tracks such as Tied Up Too Tight and Good For Nothing inspiring a collective sing-along, lads-lads-lads-esque chants galore. The audience's enthusiasm was palpable (perhaps too much; we’ll give them benefit of the doubt but the movement in the room tonight was lacking in rowdiness).
Archer's vocals were as sharp and distinctive as ever. His witty, tongue-in-cheek stage banter added a personal touch that had the audience laughing and cheering between songs. Arguably needed, for the band hit a medley of their newest hits to an unfortunately mediocre reception; this seemed to be quickly forgotten with the opening chords of Cash Machine, particularly by the dulcet tones of the melodica that Archer would harmonise. Perhaps the lull should have been expected because the crowd certainly didn’t disappoint on the older material, epiphanous Hard To Beat securing the deal.
We close as we began, with some of the finest cuts from Stars Of CCTV. Their set list, half of it a decade old, still resonates with the worries, concerns and issues of a 2024 audience. Nostalgia will be the death of us, yet after hearing the new EP it’s clear the band are back.
Hard-Fi are a humble band, grounded in reality – they’ll always have a home at noughties indie discos, and they’re responsible for a whole host of indie crowd-pleasers that tackle relatable, everyday issues.
Closing with Living for the Weekend, Saturday never seemed so poignantly immediate.
Hard-Fi performed at Rock City on 23rd November 2024.
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