Live
The Faim
The Haunt, Brighton
January 29 2019
Words/Pictures: Steve Willcox
With snow about to fall on Brighton, it’s good to know we’re about to be warmed up nicely by returning Aussie boys The Faim. And if you don't know who this Perth-based four-piece are, you are likely to before long since they have been steadily building their fanbase on these shores since their crackin' single 'Summer Is A Curse’ last year and dual shows at The Great Escape festival.
With a 600-strong crowd in the room tonight at The Haunt - and a fair number of teenage girls making up that figure it would seem - it's gonna be pretty special if it’s anything like practically every single one of their other knockout shows, from Brighton to Bondi.
Frontman Josh Raven swoops onto the stage with gusto and launches into ‘Saints Of The Sinners', their early 2018 debut number - which was co-written with Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz. The song lyrically abour making your mark in the world, something The Faim are certainly doing. With its distinct start, slowly whipping up the crowds energy and then it's all hell breaking loose as the beat drops and Josh jumps and gyrates through the song with the band following suit.
For those not already exhausted, next up, ‘Infamous’, has been steadily gaining traction since last year; its infectious chorus, the deep pounding bass of Stephen Beerkens and the growling guitar of new man Linden Marrisen, shows the band stand out on strong musical ability as well as stage presence.
Pausing for breath, Josh thanks the audience for coming here, instead of being curled up warm watching the latest Netflix doc on TV, and seems truly humbled by the reception from this enthusiastic crowd. With new single ‘Fire’ out this week, with its indie pop message of not losing sight of what’s important when trying to achieve your dreams, is well executed and the audience are in full swing with its earworm melody. It’s also where bassist Beerkens starts to come alive from behind the keys as he makes full use of a large part of the stage.
The synth introduces ‘Midland Line’ as well as introducing the second new member to the band, guitarist Sam Tye, who comes into his own with strong electric riffs and cinematic sounding that it brings the lads up a notch along with its lyrical story. Josh climbs down from the stage and walks amongst the fans, the opening piano bars of ‘Where The River Runs’ plays in the background as he pulls the heartstrings of the poignant ballad; and as it finishes, silence prevails for a second before a huge round of applause erupts in thanks to what was really a beautiful moment.
One thing that surprises me about this band is the closeness they have with their fans, most of whom tonight appear to know the words to the anthemic ‘A Million Stars’ - where the band show their more pop-infused, melodic side - and sing along in time with (second new Faim band member) Linden Marissens' laid-back drum beats.
Penultimate number of the set, ‘Amelie’, is a curiously addictive song. Josh croons the lyrics while the band idles through, but then it all ramps up to become a real heavy, bass-driven song, with Josh in full rock god mode as he again makes his way into the crowd and starts his own mosh pit going with fellow revellers. making the crowd love it all the more.
'Make Believe' is terrifically commanding, with a flow of interwoven guitar riffs and onslaught of drums. It seems all too soon, however, before the final song of the evening is upon us - but boy, what a number ‘Summer Is A Curse’ is; one that can be said to be a real pleasure to hear live and the reason I personally fell in love with this band last year. An instantly addictive and carefree indie pop song that ticks all the right boxes in all the right places.
By its end, The Faim (a euphemism adopted from the French for hunger), have used all their energy for their fans tonight in what was a riotous show that from the cheers and roars that carry the four off stage, has only made them hunger for more.
brilliant review - wish I’d been there.
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