The View - KOKO, London - 26th June 2012 (Live Review)
Monday, 02 July 2012
Written by Katie Territt
This July sees the release of ‘Cheeky For A Reason’, the fourth studio album from Scottish indie-rocker’s The View. The band are currently out on the road, travelling up and down the country in support of the release; the tour giving them the opportunity to showcase their new tracks, as well as the old classics that gave them their household name.
Koko in Camden was the venue for the band’s London stop, and they played to a packed crowd who soaked up every single word Kyle sang to them. Before The View hit the stage, Liverpool based Sound of Guns provided support with their raw, powerful and passionate indie-rock tunes. Using the gig as a platform to bring their current album ‘Angels and Enemies’ to a new fan base, the band were a perfect opener for the main event. In the words of Zane Lowe, “British rock and roll from the heart”.
Once Sound of Guns had finished impressing the large crowd, The View took to the stage to huge applause for a set list heavy with new tracks and songs from their debut album, ‘Hats Off to the Buskers’. Kicking straight into ‘Comin Down’ and running smoothly into classic ‘Wasted Little DJ’s’ was a perfect start for the loyal crowd. Last years album, ‘Bread and Circuses’ got an outing with single ‘Grace’ before ‘AB’, the start of the new tracks from upcoming album ‘Cheeky For A Reason’.
Jumping between albums gave the crowd a chance to enjoy The View’s impressive back catalogue with tracks such as ‘Wasteland’, ‘Bunker’ and ‘Underneath The Lights’. Kieren took over vocals from Kyle for the awesome ‘Skag Trendy’ and new track ‘Hole In The Bed’ before ‘Realization’ and a chilled out, laid back sing-a-long ensued for ‘Face For The Radio’.
‘Cheeky For A Reason’ took over for a few songs, showcasing ‘The Clock’, album opener, single and standout track ‘How Long’ and ‘Sour Little Sweetie’. The band’s second album ‘Which Bitch?’ had just two songs in the set, the first being its first single, ‘5Rebeccas’ before ‘Hats Off to the Buskers’ began the set’s wrapping up with massive hits and crowd pleasers ‘Same Jeans’ and ‘Superstar Tradesman’. ‘Bread and Circuses’ ‘Sunday’ was next before set closer and second ‘Which Bitch?’ appearance, ‘Shock Horror’.
Surprisingly there was no encore for the crowd, but it really didn’t matter as The View had delivered an absolute stormer with a 19 song set list spanning all four of their albums. The older tracks that kick-started the band’s career still sound as fresh and exciting as ever, and the new songs from ‘Cheeky For A Reason’ fit in perfectly. The juxtaposition of Kyle’s urgency on the older tracks mixed with the gorgeous lilt of his vocal on the new material was a perfect combination for the packed venue. The band are still so tight, energetic and “up for it” and it’s a pleasure to watch them playing their way through an impressive back catalogue that they’re clearly proud of. A fantastic gig and a very welcome comeback for a great live band.
Sat July 7th 2012 - Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes
Sun July 8th 2012 - Dome Doncaster, Doncaster
Mon July 9th 2012 - HMV Ritz, Manchester
Tue July 10th 2012 - O2 Academy Newcastle, Newcastle
Thu July 12th 2012 - O2 Academy Glasgow, Glasgow
Fri August 3rd 2012 - Moulridge Lane, Pikehall, Near Matlock
Fri August 31st 2012 - HMV Edinburgh Picture House, Edinburgh
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Koko in Camden was the venue for the band’s London stop, and they played to a packed crowd who soaked up every single word Kyle sang to them. Before The View hit the stage, Liverpool based Sound of Guns provided support with their raw, powerful and passionate indie-rock tunes. Using the gig as a platform to bring their current album ‘Angels and Enemies’ to a new fan base, the band were a perfect opener for the main event. In the words of Zane Lowe, “British rock and roll from the heart”.
