Foals, Dingwalls, Camden

I really do like Foals, despite how hard their fanbase makes me try and hate them. I’m not saying that every person who likes the band is a dick, but when this happens it’s hard not to.

That said, every time I see them live the crowd are excellent. They’re always responsive and supportive, always dancing (even at the recent Rough Trade instore); there’s nothing more you could want. So, despite sometimes being irritating, they always deliver.

It’s no different at Dingwalls. The underage (14-18) crowd while immature (stupid heckles etc.), play their part and sing along to every word, transfixed by the stage presence of Yannis et al. The notable thing about teen fans is their ability to hero worship and obey anybody, as demonstrated when the dancefloor section religiously sit down as soon as Yannis asks. The only other time I’ve seen a frontman do that is at a Bon Iver gig, but those are sit down songs, not dance songs. While it’s undeniably a dickish thing to do (“Look at us, we’re artists. Listen, we’re important .”), it works, and it’s amazing to see so many people unquestionably and uncritically obeying.

I’m coming across as a bit of a dick myself now, a bit self important and above it, but I’m typing this in hindsight, where it’s easier to criticise. As gigs go, no one can occupy a crowd like Foals, keep them going and transfixed, even when they’re less rehearsed (‘Blue Blood’ was awful). They truly are masters of the art of the gig, to keep crowds entertained with their timing, setlists and talking. Not a great show, but a fun one.