Following the recent release of sophomore album Say Hello To Sunshine there have been mixed views on the musical direction Finch have taken and the future of the band itself. Although Say Hello To Sunshine is infinitely better than it's predecessor, What It Is To Burn it seems to be the done thing now to criticise Finch for the tiniest little thing, not least because of their decision to drop 'Letters To You' from their set-list. But looking at the considerably lengthy queue winding it's way around the venue some two hours before the doors are set to open I think it's safe to say that expectations for tonight are reasonably high.

Support tonight comes from Million Dead, having released Harmony No Harmony the follow up to 2003's highly successful A Song To Ruin they don't hesitate in launching into a furious half hour set which sends the first few rows into a frenzy. Always a furiously energetic live band they plough through songs from both albums, the high points being 'I Am The Party' and 'To Whom It May Concern' before the storming 'Breaking The Back' brings the set to a close. Excellent stuff.

Taking to the stage and launching into 'New Beginnings' Finch set the pace for the rest of the night. Being the first date on the UK it doesn't seem too unreasonable to expect Finch not to be at their best, but judging on their performance they've considerably upped the ante for the dates on the rest of the tour. Nate Barcalow, usually a frontman that rarely engages in onstage banter seems very relaxed tonight chatting to the audience and this relaxed feeling seems to stretch to the rest of the band, so much so the bassist Derek Doherty plays the entire set barefoot. The feeling of relaxation doesn't take anything away from Barcalow's perfomance as a vocalist however, prowling the stage and singing each song with such intensity you find yourself struggling to take your eyes off him.

New songs such as 'Bitemarks and Bloodstains' sit comfortably with old live favourites 'Grey Matter' and 'Without You Here' a Faith No More cover sends everyone crazy, although looking at some of the crowd no-one seemed to know which song it was, (myself included). A stunning rendition of 'What It Is To Burn' sends the entire floor into a swirling mass of flailing limbs (and some stray shoes) bringing what was an utterly fantastic show to an end. Lets just hope that Finch can mantain the high standard set tonight for the rest of the tour.

Rating: 4/5 by Rachael Cox

Further links

Drive Thru Records

The online site for Drive-Thru Records, home to bands such as Finch and Allistair

Million Dead.com

Home of Meeeeelion Dead, as we like to call them round here

Finch music.com

Official site. Contains music, merch, tickets and much more