One of the most exciting bands in the alternative music scene, The Faim, head to Cheltenham for a headline set as a warm-up for Download festival.
Opening the night are local quartet ICYMI who sound great, especially considering they came straight from a set at Wychwood festival to be here tonight. There is a bit of confusion at the start of one track, but they laugh it off and make up for it in sheer talent. Towers and Polary also impress with their brands of alt-rock.
The Faim showcase their incredible talent with a headline set packed full of vigour, opening with a drum solo from Sean Tighe that leads into the highly upbeat My Heart Needs To Breathe. There is a point where guitarist Michael Bono breaks a string, but it came at a time where the piano led Where The River Runs was about to start, meaning he had ample time to replace it without the set being held up. There are a couple of new additions to the set in the form of more brand new tracks, hyping up fans for the forthcoming album. Considering it is show number 40(ish) of the UK run alone, frontman Josh Raven’s voice is in perfect form, hitting every note without fail and being expertly backed up by Michael and bassist/keyboardist Stephen Beerkens’ backing harmonies. The crowd are extremely receptive, jumping, clapping and arms waving on command as Josh attempts his acrobatics and shows off his insane flexibility on the small stage. Seeing the quartet on such a small stage further highlighted the sheer talent on display, coupled with the emotions reflected in every song and throughout the performance, even being 40 shows in, there is nothing even remotely below perfect about the set.