Our intrepid Oxford music guru Alyssa Nilsen headed down to the O2 Academy to let us know if The Fratellis still wield a Chelsea Dagger, or if they just Need Medicine…
The Fratellis returned to Oxford as part of a big anniversary tour for their debut album Costello Music, which was released 10 years ago (yes boys and girls, back in 2006!) spawning several massive hits and setting off a decade long career, which is now being celebrated in venues all around the UK.
The Scottish trio visited the O2 Academy for a sold out show, playing the album in full plus a handful of newer songs. It didn’t all get off to a great start though. The band took to the stage, played a minute or so of Henrietta, and then stopped playing, not satisfied with the sound. “We’re gonna go off stage and come back when it’s sorted” vocalist Jon stated, “or this isn’t gonna be fun for us or you”. The band left the stage to the silence of a somewhat puzzled crowd, who then started chanting the chorus to Chelsea Dagger until the band came back on and dived straight into smash hit Flathead.
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The Fratellis live in Oxford[/caption]
The decade long experience of the lads was obvious on stage. They’re utterly professional at what they do, even if vocalist Jon is the only one who really stands out, all dapper in a suit and fedora.
The crowd seemed to catch the security a bit off guard with their bouncy celebration of the album, with waves of people crashing into each other and jubilant moshing. Several of the songs were met with cheers and loud sing alongs, particularly “Whistle For The Choir” and “Creepin Up The Backstairs”, while the obvious highlights of the evening were “Baby Fratelli” and “Chelsea Dagger” which made the crowd nearly implode with happiness.
There was still time left for some newer songs, and the crowd was treated to singles “Impostors (Little by Little)” and “Baby Don’t You Lie To Me” from last year’s “Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied” album, a Dion cover and a scattering of songs from “We Need Medicine” and “Here We Stand”. The Fratellis have a strong catalogue of music, even if the newer material has somewhat less of the frantic energy the debut album did. And this evening was clearly all about “Costello Music”.
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The Fratellis live in Oxford[/caption]
Despite still cheering and singing along to what was being delivered from stage, it was the songs from the debut album which set the bar, and which made this a magical night for the crowd.
