Fickle Friends returned to Scotland’s capital to celebrate the release of their new album ‘You Are Someone Else’.
Returning to Edinburgh two years after their last city show, the band stepped up from the intimate Mash House to La Belle Angele, a 600-capacity venue in the heart of the Old Town.
With a whole host of new fans in tow and a new album ready to lead the night, the band put on a show that more than proved that their hard work, determination and passion for their music has certainly paid off.
The gig marked less than one week since the release of their album and with a stage adorned with palm tree plants, they’d set the scene for the tropical indie pop-infused night ahead.
As they launched straight into ‘Say No More’ followed by ‘Someone Else’, the 80’s infused party was well underway. Energy instantly peaked and the live spark was ignited as frontwoman Natti Shiner commanded the stage with her impressive vocals from the get-go, as she danced around the stage with a beaming smile, and amidst one of the set highlights ‘Wake Me Up’ Natti exclaimed “I love Scotland” as she climbed off the stage and into the crowd.
There was no slowing things down as Fickle Friends made their way through an uplifting set that felt like the band had invited you to party to celebrate the release. Far from your standard indie pop gig with the crowd simply standing bopping along enjoying the show, the venue transformed into a hot and sweaty dance floor as their infectious sound took over making it near impossible to stand still.
The gig also allowed the band to throwback to the singles that started it all including ‘Cry Baby’. Natti asked the crowd their favourite album track, chatting continuously throughout the set as if everyone was old mates, unanimously ‘Bite’ was the answer. As they launched into the single, it was an exhilarating moment with plenty of singalongs.
It wasn’t all fast-paced disco dancing, the set also slowed things down with ‘Paris’ before ‘Hard To Be Myself’ commanded the venue, gaining one of the best receptions of the night as the crowd swapped from singing to belting the lyrics out loud in Scottish style.
The set flowed with ease led by shimmering synth and keys from Jack Wilson smoothly soundtracked by Harry Herrington’s grooving bass, Sam Morris’ booming drums and Chris Hall’s funky guitar, as they grooved the night away.
As the band stepped off stage for the encore, they’d well and truly earned Scotland’s “here we f*cking go!” chant, with screams as they were welcomed back on stage for a back-to-back treat of ‘Hello Hello’ and ‘Swim’. While the crowd sang “you are not alone” in unison there was a rather special moment, as friends, couples and families sang lyrics in each other faces, the band looked out at the sea of smiles – and it was all thanks to their music bringing everyone together in the room.
With a shimmering album overflowing with hits, it was not surprising that the live aspect brought the 80’s infusions more to life.
Fickle Friends put on a party and it was the best night in town. Our RSVP is written and ready for the next tour.