Lostprophets / We Are The Ocean / Pure Love

I had spotted this gig a few months ago, it stuck out for two reasons, firstly it was the eve of my 29th birthday, and secondly I had last seen the 'prophets in this very same venue 8 years ago, so decided to take a trip down memory lane. And what a great birthday present it turned out to be.

We joined the queues and had a casual scan around, it is still quite obvious from the demographics of the waiting masses that the Lostprophets are still attracting fans old an new, something not many bands can keep doing.



As I entered the arena the first support band were over half way through their set. Pure Love fronted by Frank Carter of ex Gallows fame, were playing quite a blinder, this came as a big surprise as I had seen them earlier in the year supporting Biffy Clyro and had found them totally insufferable that night.

Tonight's display was much more assured and rehearsed, a much better gig, topped when Carter and the lead guitarist entered the crowd to play the last couple of tracks of their set, and announcing that they wanted a circle pit, but they didn't want to cause hassle for the security so they decided to try a new idea, 'the snail pit'??? The same basis as a circle pit but on hands and knees! Many of the young crowd joined in, but many more stood back and just laughed.



Next up were We Are The Ocean a young bunch of lads form London, with their chart friendly rock taking the Radio1 playlist by storm, the lads have built quite a following for themselves already. Tonight they played okay, but nothing to set the world alight, though I was taken aback by their drummer, to me he stood out as a much higher calibre musician than the rest of the band.

So on to the main event, with anticipation high the Lostprophets came and delivered to the highest standard, playing through a set list that almost read like my own personal pick for a greatest hits album.

They showed why they are still selling venues out and attracting new fans. Hitting the ground running with an opening salvo of 'Where We Belong', 'New Transmission' and 'Can't Catch Tomorrow' they set the agenda for the night. What was to follow was almost like a personal birthday present with a 4 song segue-way of which 3 were from 'The Fake Sound Of Progress' album. It was a real treat to hear 'Kobrakai', 'Fake Sound' and 'Shinobi Vs Dragonninja' all on the same night, the roof almost came off the Newport Centre, and firmly left me wishing I had my swimming shorts to take advantage of the wave pool next door, after the hot sweaty moshathon.



With all the boys playing out of their skins it was obvious they were enjoying a home crowd, though the band are mainly from Pontypridd half an hour up the road, Newport formed a huge part of their early career, and tonight proves a great venue to finish the tour on.

Its clear from this show, that the 6 piece have lost none of their enthusiasm or edge to perform after over ten years of constant touring, with every solo, and every note still slashing through the arena with a vicious force that isn't generated by a band just going through the motions. The brace of songs from recent album 'Weapons' get a good reception, mainly from the younger fans, but the biggest hysteria of the night is saved for the finishing trio of 'Everyday Combat', 'Last Train Home' and 'Burn Burn.' During this last barrage I'm very surprised the roof did not fall in, as the standing ticket holders made the floor look like a stormy ocean, with a mass sing along to rival any I've heard.

All in the entire gig went down a treat. And the LostProphets have lost none of the appeal that brought me to that gig 8 years ago. I look forward to spending another night feeling 21 again sometime soon.

FUTURE GIGS

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