FIGHTSTAR Live @ The Pyramids, 02/11/2009

After earlier being into a state of frustration, the prospect of seeing Fightstar was very welcoming. Emerging post-hardcore band Deaf Havana provided main support and also a charged atmosphere to welcome in Fightstar. ‘Another Day in this House’ being a standout from a set played with great enthusiasm and rare subtle touches that put them a touch above the current crop.
Having finally shaken off all their preconceptions, Fightstar have emerged as a successful and more importantly, talented band on their own terms. It’s not long before bodies fly through the air. But it takes a few songs in to ‘Mercury Summer’ before the entire crowd is captured and lift themselves off the floor. They even duly oblige when given the chorus to sing. Paint Your Target swiftly follows to the same rapture. Given the amount of ‘emo’ songs the band has to refer to, they keep it heavy. A massive pit is formed for Deathcar. The band themselves turned in a typical rock performance, though the sound and lighting were terrible, all the elements for a cathartic experience were present.
The end came abruptly. Given they are now three albums old they barely reached the hour with an encore. Even more disappointing was they still relied on ‘Palahniuk’s Laughter’ to finish the night. A single song encore just felt like a step backwards from a band that should now be far beyond their early credentials. There were groans from the fans as hits like ‘Never Change’ were missed. Even the inclusion of ‘Amethyst’ or ‘Mono’ would have given the set a much more rounded and ultimately more satisfying experience.
For all the potential and back catalogue of songs, it felt like a missed opportunity to really assert themselves as a great live band. Those there to rid themselves of a shit day and a stone of sweat would be pleased, but many were left feeling a bit hollow.