Hard-Fi @ Cambridge Junction

Hard-Fi:

For the first time in over 10 years indie giants Hard-Fi are back touring the UK. After releasing three top 10 albums in the early 2000's, two of which reaching the number 1 spot, Hard-Fi entered a surprise hiatus; ever since fans have been desperate for the Suburban Knights to come back. A few one-off gigs in late 2022/early 2023 saw the original line-up reunite to play live for the first time in 8 years, being followed by the announcement of this full UK tour which will see Hard-Fi play 13 shows up and down the country. The band will be supported on this tour by one of the most brilliant up-and-comers on the indie scene Tom A. Smith, giving even more reason why these shows will be must-see. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for the tour's opening night at Cambridge Junction, on a night that felt like a real indie homecoming. 

Hard-Fi opened the UK tour last night, feeling like returning hometown heroes. This is testament to how much their must spoke to an entire generation, and how relevant it still feels today. Storming the stage with huge hits 'Middle Eastern Holiday' and 'Gotta Reason' Hard-Fi instantly showed they haven't missed a beat.

Richard Archer is one hell of a frontman, a working class hero who channels his upbringing into every performance making every word sang ooze authenticity and relatability. His live vocals were on point, and despite some on stage banter between the group around slip ups, you would think they have been playing together every night for the last 10 years the way the instantly gelled again. Steve Kemp's drums are as hard hitting as ever, Ross Phillips' guitar riffs sound as fresh as they day they were wrote, and Kai Stephens bass playing brings the swagger that ties the entire band together. This reunion is far from a cheap nostalgia trip, it is four world class musicians with timeless chemistry ripping up the stage for an adoring crowd.

Early songs like 'Tied Up Too Tight' and 'Better Do Better' had the crowd fully up for it, dancing and singing in a joyous manner that only good indie music can bring. The energy of the crowd would not drop all night, however certain songs really kicked the energy into the stratosphere. The singalongs to 'Cash Machine' and 'Suburban Knights' will live long in the memory of all those in attendance. As 'Hard to Beat' brought the main set to a close, 

The Junction was buzzing. As the room gradually calmed Archer took to the stage solo to deliver a stunning medley of 'Move on Now' and 'The King' before being joined by the rest of the band for a ripping performance of 'Stars of CCTV'. The night ended with a riotous performance of 'Living for the Weekend', a song that perfectly sums up how a Hard-Fi concert will make you feel.

There has been a huge void in the UK indie scene since Hard-Fi left, and after tonight there can be no doubts that Hard-Fi have flawlessly picked-up from where they left off a decade ago

Tom A. Smith:

Tom A. Smith is bound to be the UK's next breakout star. At only 19 years old he already has a back catalogue of music most artists could only dream of, and he puts on a live show that brings these songs to a whole new level. Opening with his brilliant track 'Toronto' it was obvious that the next 30 minutes were going to be crammed full of top-drawer live music, and with Tom and his band never taking their foot off the accelerator the set could only get better and better.

'Little Bits' and 'Weirdo' were clear favourites on the night, with the catchy choruses sparking singalongs throughout the crowd, with Tom gaining more and more new fans with every song played. These two songs really demonstrated the natural chemistry between Tom and his band too. Synchronised dancing between Tom and bassist Katie Anderson radiated an infectious energy that few bands provide. Guitarist Dylan Abbott really gained a connection with the audience, encouraging clapping and dancing throughout the performance, whilst the brilliant drums of Frazer Graham kept the whole performance tied together creating a perfect synchronicity.

Tom's upcoming single 'Fading Away' was given a live showcase before its release on October 12th, and I have no doubts this is his best work yet, and could well be the release that sees him break through to the mainstream, it is a definite ' Song of the Week'. 'Never Good Enough' came next, again showing the relatability of Tom's music in a way that transcends age, before playing Like You Do, his incredible collaboration with indie legend Miles Kane.

Tom closed his set with the anthemic 'Dragonfly', a song that provided the perfect exclamation mark on a set of musical greatness. If Tom A. Smith continues this energy throughout the tour, then I see no way he isn't headlining rooms this size by the end of next year