The Futureheads In Store @ Sound It Out

By Robert Nichols on April 11, 2012 in Music

This Good Friday was a great Friday in Stockton courtesy of The Futureheads. In town to play to a sell out Georgian Theatre they also performed a special tea time “In Store” at Sound It Records. This was Futureheads as you’ve never heard them before, A Capella style and what a privilege to experience it.

The In Store event took place in amongst the overflowing record racks of the “world famous,” Sound It Out Records as Futureheads singer Barry Hyde so rightly put it. The venue of the documentary that has gone down a storm from Teesside to Texas was crowded out with fans eager to get a uniquely up close and personal rendition of The Futureheads brand new “Rant” album. An album released on the bands own Nul Records label. Fans clutched their brand new copies of the CD or orange vinyl so bright and refreshing you could drink it. Almost.

The Futureheads four bounced in off the street, deported themselves in a corner and after quickly saying their hello’s launched into a short, sharp set. This was all about the voices, Barry’s acoustic guitar only used to get in key. A barber shop quarter but very distinctly Futureheads 21^st century style.

The starting point was a mighty version of Richard Thompson’s “Beeswing.” What followed were largely traditional songs, “we’ll claim the PRS,” joked Futurehead Jaff. “The Keeper” a hunting song sparked off some debate amongst the boys about hunting in Stockton. Barry said he was happy to be playing in the home of the square pizza and the parmo but he had harsh words for guitarist Ross who he accused of singing in the style of Keith of The Prodigy. This set Jaff off laughing and it was a wonder they ever managed to get to the end of the song.

There was a slice of the Black Eyed Peas – Meet Me Halfway never sounded even halfway as good before The Futureheads wrapped their vocal chords around it. Barry Hyde’s claims about their famous special guests flying in for the Georgian gig were not believed. But when one of the shop staff revealed he had given up Paint Balling for this performance Barry said they would be using paint balling guns at the Georgian. Possibly… not.

Can I say that an old sea shanty went down a storm? Sorry about that but it did prove very popular. Then the whole set was finished with a rousing singalong of “The Old Dun Cow” – where everyone joined in singing the chorus before shouting out loudly “McIntyre”. In store gigs can be great fun and afterwards everyone got the chance to get their newly acquired albums signed and chat to the band before departing the shop with broad grins. It was a very Good Friday indeed.

The Futureheads will be returning to Sound It Out for Record Store Day, playing live along with The Approved, Serious Sam Barrett and 3 Foot Ninja. The shop opens at 8am, live entertainment starts after 4pm. Slow Club will be performing In Store at Sound It Out next Saturday 14^th April at 2pm.

Photos courtesy of Tracy Hyman.