Radical Face

There’s a lot more to Ben Cooper’s Radical Face than “Welcome Home, Son” which you will most likely recognise from the Nikon adverts a while ago. The ideas behind Cooper’s songs are often quite dark but are wonderfully offset by his positive music and the range of instruments that find their way into his work. Now if this sort of thing floats your boat then I truly urge you to jump at the next opportunity to see Radical Face live. Their last tour of the UK saw a set that was a great mix of their albums, with popular tracks “Always Gold”, “Reminders” and “Ghost Towns” being bet with smiles from ear to ear by everyone in the crowd. What was really enjoyable (if a fantastically entertaining cover of “Not in Nottingham” from Disney’s Robin Hood, with Cooper’s band mates walking through the crowd performing actions to the lyrics wasn't enough), was learning the stories behind the music. Cooper took the time to explain the thoughts and ideas behind some of songs which added a deeper meaning to their performance with that being fresh in your mind. This combined with the banter between what is clearly a beautifully tightly knit group of musicians made for a great performance that I certainly look forward to a repeat of.

Overall I was very happy with the concert. The set was awesome - a mix of old and new.
Two frustrations with the show: the venue somehow atttacted a crappy crowd, and Ben's mic was rarely loud enough to hear what he said between his 2 or 3 songs they played in a string.

To explain: the venue was a bar with a good amount of space and I stood directly in front of the sound board. I would imagine that I was hearing whatever the sound guy was. Too many jerks talked over Ben as he was talking about his music, and the sound guy could have helped (I think, admittedly I am not a sound engineer) by raising the levels on Ben's mic while he explained his songs. But he never did.

The music was great and I'm glad I went to the show, but a whole contingent of jerks almost ruined it.

Also, if anyone from the venue is reading this, the stage is short. If it could be raised a foot, maybe a foot and a half, that would be good.

Last night was one of the best shows I have ever been to. When I walked into the lobby area, they had decorated it with pictures and books to look through that really captured the essence of the music see were about to hear. Then, in the ballroom, everything was on time. Both of the bass came on when they were supposed to. Both bands were really funny and engaged with the audience well, on top of playing great music. The venue was smal enough that it was intimate and the audience could talk to the band, but big enough that the energy was high in the room. Great atmosphere, great venue, and all around a show to remember.

Such a great concert.

I did not know what I was going to expect when seeing Radical Face live, but it was so much better than what I would have thought. The songs were played so beautifully and in between songs, Ben made jokes about life and the whole band was just very self-ironic. But in a good way. I laughed a lot and had such an amazing time. The songs were moving and on point. The stage was designed with illuminated trees and it just gave the whole concert a round finish.

Definitley worth seeing life. I love Radical Face's songs, but live they're even better.

This was a fabulous show, from the opening band, The Little Books, to the comical cover song that Radical Face chose to end the night. Both bands were engaged with the audience and the small, lovely old chapel made for a beautiful and intimate venue. It was large enough to fit a couple hundred or so people. but small enough that we could see the band really well from the middle of the bottom floor.

We had dinner at The Vestry before the show, on the spur of the moment. The food and drinks were outstanding.

Such a wonderful and memorable evening!

Radical Face live are even better than Radical Face on disc. In a similar vein to Evening Hymns, they balance darkness with light - the songs are melancholy and full of pain, but Ben and the band are charming, warm and funny. I saw them supported by Little Books, who are great in their own right, and also performed band duties with RF.

The show was a tiny intimate venue, beautifully lit - it felt more like they were playing in a front room than a concert hall - and the music did not disappoint.

Go see them if you get the chance/

What struck me most was how funny they were, how genuine. Ben introduced every new song and explained it in a few sentences. Between songs they goofed off, so many funny jokes and playing their "tuning song" and it just really set a relaxed, intimate mood. They were so down to earth.

SO POWERFUL live - the songs really came to life and the atmosphere was magical. Also, two encores. Overall, the venue was the perfect place for them (cosy, great scene set) and just an amazing performance live. Would absolutely recommend.

Band was great and played multiple instruments that appear in songs. Very funny and sarcastic making light of some of the darker themes from music. Relaxed atmosphere and an overall good experience. Played most of their popular songs and gave a story expanding on the inspirations. For fans of Radical Face's music I would definitely recommend seeing them in person.

Radical Face are amazing live!

I saw Radical Face in Copenhagen (Pumpehuset), i think we were approx 150 people. So it was small and intimate.

It seemed that the band really enjoyed performing, they made fun with each others, Ben is an amazing storyteller, and the music and songs were amazing live.

I can't wait for next time they will play in Denmark.

Top class gig. Song choice was great with most of their the top songs over the years featuring. Great atmosphere generated by the banter between the artists and the crowd. The lead singer Ben has nice song intros and a lovely sense of humour which infects into the crowd. Superb encore as well. A great evening.