Friendly Fires

Touting one of the finest collections of indie-pop in UK history, Hertfordshire trio Friendly Fires are a treat to behold live. Fans of rabble-rousing, dancefloor infernos and cutting meticulous shapes will swoon at mainman Ed Macfarlane's ringleader approach to gigs, manipulating audiences into pools of boogie-ing mayhem. With a pelvis like Elvis, Macfarlane's hip-game is on fire – and that, in itself, is a magnetic force sure to draw throngs. His penchant for floral shirts is pretty impressive too. Doozies like “Paris”, “Kiss Of Life”, “Hawaiian Air”, “Jump In The Pool” and “Skeleton Boy” are frequent set highlights. Doused in the kaleidoscopic chaos of spotlights and strobes, the three-piece are insistent when it comes to crafting a party atmosphere. There's no room for standing, beard-stroking, or pensive poserism; if you arrive at a Friendly Fires show, you'd better be prepared to sweat. You'll ache in the morning, but boy, you'll have had the time of your life the night before.
They've been a quiet storm over the past couple of years since the release of 2011's Pala, but in recent talks with NME and other outlets, they've begun to discuss the prospect of a newfangled psychedelic direction, which is an exciting notion. Electro-indie-dance-psych? Phwoar.

Seeing Friendly Fires live was a life changing experience.
I saw Friendly Fires at my first Lollapalooza in 2011 based upon hearing good things mentioned about them online. I had no idea what to expect, but what I got was infinitely better than what I had ever imagined.
They played an early afternoon set on Sunday, which are notoriously known for being one of the most lackluster crowds because of the exhaustion brought on from the past two days partying day and night, however the crowd was pumped before they even set foot on stage. The backdrop was of their colorful, newly released Pala and the excitement was palpable. As soon as they began to play the first notes the crowd exuberantly joined along to frontman Ed Macfarlane's exceptional dancing, which was an honor to witness in the flesh.
From their hit "Lovesick" to the title track ballad of the new album "Pala," Friendly Fires knew how to keep the crowd going and appeared to be having just as much fun. Ed Macfarlane jumping into the crowd at various points during the set was a privilege for all parties involved. By the end of their set, Macfarlane's Hawaiian print shirt was respectively drenched with sweat and the whole crowd was nearly danced out.

Very disappointing. Poor sound quality; badly out of tune and, to be honest, what appeared to be very under-rehearsed.

It really didn't look like FF were ready for this. Or actually back together! I've seen them a couple of times before (in 'lesser venues') and this gig just didn't come close to what they are capable of. Which is what makes it so hugely disappointing.

I'm a big fan of FF and Pala is one of my all-time favourite albums. I, like many, have been eagerly waiting for their 3rd album, but if the new songs are anything to go by, it's going to be another big disappointment.

I don't know what they've been doing for the last few years, but it, obviously, wasn't writing exiting new songs or getting ready to play gigs.

Back to the drawing board guys!

I've been waiting like 6 years to see these guys! They were absolutely incredible. Ed knows how to work the stage with his dance moves and energy, and you could tell the whole band was having a great time on the stage. Best show I've been to in a long time!

It is so great to have them back! It was an epic show, me and my brothers loved it! Visuals were great and they did a decent length set. Warm up acts were good too.