Opening the night was up and coming band, The Nightmares. Since watching this set, I have listened to this bands entire discography repetitively which isn’t as extreme as it sounds, but their music is effortlessly enjoyable. From the moment the band approached the stage, we were enveloped in a captivating dark red ambiance, perfectly in sync with the band’s aesthetic and I vibe with it. Lead vocalist Adam mentioned that Funeral For A Friend are his favourite band so you can’t help but feel excited for them to be opening one of their sold out shows.
The highlight for me was their track ‘Cursed.’ The enchanting blend of male and female vocals, a recurring element in most of their songs, really captivated me and the rest of the crowd. The venue was still filling up throughout their set, which is a bit of a shame as I really feel like more people needed to see this band.
Their debut album Séance was released earlier this year and if they continue to release music like this, they will be one to watch for sure.
The Nightmares @ The LCR, Norwich. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Dashboard Confessional‘s live performance at the packed venue was nothing short of electrifying. As soon as the band took the stage, it was clear that the energy in the room was about to reach a fever pitch, and Chris Carrabba and his bandmates did not disappoint. They opened their set with ‘Don’t Wait’ and from the get-go, the crowd were singing every word, and this continued throughout the entirety of their set.
Dashboard Confessional @ The LCR, Norwich. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Finally, it was time for Funeral For A Friend. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the band took the stage, ready to revisit their iconic album. From the very first chord, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember. Lead singer Matt Davies -Kreye may have lost his voice, but the passion in his performance shone through.
In a touching and memorable moment, the lead singer took a pause to address the crowd about the state of the world. He delivered a powerful message about unity, emphasizing that we should “stand together, not divided.” Before playing ‘Your Revolution Is A Joke‘, he encouraged the crowd to sing along and be part of something bigger, an experience that united everyone in the room. It was a powerful reminder of the collective strength that music can bring.
After playing the entirety of ‘Casually Dressed’, the band left the stage and were of course met with screams from the crowd wanting more. We were then treated to 5 encore songs including ‘Roses For The Dead’ & ‘History’. Giving the fans more fun and more nostalgia.
Funeral For a Friend’s performance of ‘Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation‘ was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music’s ability to bring people together. Despite the vocal challenges, the band delivered a performance filled with passion, emotion, and connection, making it a night that will be cherished by their fans for years to come.
Funeral For A Friend @ The LCR, Norwich. Photo – Kayleigh Francis
Words: Kayleigh Francis and Robert Warren