A night of entirely American entertainment graced Nottingham, as the Presidents of the United States of America set out on a UK tour designed to put their name back on the map since the success of their early years.
Tonight’s only support happens to be a personal favourite of mine, as New Jersey’s up and coming dream team, The Front Bottoms prove that their presence in the UK is stronger than ever before.
Following a highly successful headline tour of the country last year, the distinctive outfit boast undeniable quality on the bigger stage, making the transition from their usually more intimate affairs with ease. Brian Sella’s unmistakable vocals mould perfectly around the band’s unique blend of acoustic indie-punk rock, with drummer Matt unleashing his usual wrath upon his kit. It’s an outstanding set as usual from a band who deserve to one day headline venues this size in our country.
The Presidents are admittedly a fairly unfamiliar band to me, but their huge fan base and glowing reputation drew me to their show tonight like a moth to a flame. Their humorous intro sets the tone for their performance, as it is announced that they only happen to be playing because The Wombles were double booked. Their warm presence and polished delivery stems from the star quality of this band, and although their sound is hardly the usual blend which ignites my heart strings, I find myself enticed before any of the classics have been played.
Surprisingly the newer material, such as “Poor Little Me” strikes a chord, as the outfit’s desire to expand their dimensions has resulted in a fresh new catalogue, rather than a cheap replication of their former glory. Finishing in style with the expected arsenal of Billboard chart classics such as ‘Peaches’ and a couple eccentric covers, the band leave Nottingham with their midland fan base well and truly entertained.
Presidents of the United States of America Setlist
Kick Out the Jams (MC5 cover)
Kitty
Poor Little Me
Some Post
Lunatic
She’s a Nurse
Boll Weevil
Love Everybody
Slow Slow Fly
Lump
More Bad Times
Crown Victoria
Back Porch
Dune Buggy
Good Morning Tycoon
Ghost
Munky River
Finger Monster
Candy
Mach 5
Peaches
Encore:
Body
Video Killed the Radio Star (The Buggles cover)
Kick Out the Jams (MC5 Cover)
The Front Bottoms Setlist
Skeleton
Tattooed Tears
Maps
Funny You Should Ask
Au Revoir (Adios)
The Beers
Father
Flashlight
Twin Size Mattress
Links
http://www.presidentsrock.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Presidents-Of-The-United-States-Of-America/6845033199
https://www.facebook.com/thefrontbottoms
Words by George Fullerton.
