Los Campesinos! + Johnny Foreigner, The Republic, New Orleans

The first 1:16 of ‘You! Me! Dancing!’ is the perfect analogy for the performances of Johnny Foreigner and Los Campesinos! tonight; a din of sounds rising to pandemonium, which cuts quickly to sharp and clear musicality. Unfortunately, typically for The Republic on a Monday night, there aren’t a lot of people here. But whilst the crowd is small, it’s also passionate.

People yell and bop along to the pretty much unknown in the US band, Johnny Foreigner. The crowd seem pleasantly surprised by the noisy yet musical sounds coming from the speakers during the set. Projected behind them are drawings that seem to add a level of chaos to the experience. They are a classic indie rock band (heavy on the rock) that should absolutely be able to find an audience here in the States. There is an intensity and power behind the guitar and vocals that pushes an already commanding musical line over the top. Though the band seem exhausted (understandably so, they apparently haven’t showered in three days) they perform with dynamism and passion. A highlight of the evening is when they played their last single, a surprise to even themselves that it was so long ago, ‘Criminals’. The noisy, fuzzy guitars and the pounding bass drum mix to a pleasant buzz as Alexei sings the appropriate ‘We mapped our future as crowds drew around us.’ The US needs a bit of Johnny Foreigner in its life.

However much the audience enjoyed Johnny Foreigner, they’re here to see Los Campesinos! By the time they take the stage, the room is about two thirds full and the crowd is primed. The set is energetic and totally satisfying - the band really know how to play a show. Each member looks like they’re having so much fun playing each of their songs. Even with the new line up, they seem like they have been playing together for years and years. The level of comfort on stage transcends to the audience, making each of us feel like they are performing just for us. The truly interesting thing about LC! has to be that they are far rougher and dirtier than their singles appear to be. Live there is an added experience of noise and distortion, reminding us that they are not just sweet and bitter, they are dark and more rock’n’roll. Though this date was added in at the last minute, and the schedule makes that incredibly obvious (they leave immediately for a 14 hour drive to St. Louis), LC! manage to play like they’re truly happy to be here.