Xfm Winter Wonderland | livemusic.fm

Wonder? Not so sure about that. The evening yo-yoed between ecstatic highs and disappointing lows, with much in between. A great mix of bands promised, DJs and dancing all in the name of charity (War Child), it should have been something special. However, save for a small handful of joyful moments, the night left you with a bitter taste in your mouth.

Starting on a relative high, one of the latest madly hyped bands Tribes arrived early on stage. Distinctly grungey in sound, they could easily provide the atmosphere for an American high school freaks and geeks love story, but with plenty of influences firmly rooted in their home borough of Camden. They played a short set of their better known songs, including 'Sappho' and the song that brought Camden High Street to a standstill, 'We Are Children'. These boys are getting more and more attention every week, and are a bunch to keep an eye on.

Next to perform a short set was Band of Skulls. Promoting their second album 'Sweet Sour', this trio from Southampton can be easily defined as feisty but inoffensive. More than competent musicians, they kept the crowd sweet rather than sour for the duration of their short set. Their alternative rock has a strong sound, and the performance hinted that the upcoming album might well be a strong one. However, had they been doing a normal length set, their lack of stage presence may have irked some of the audience members. Lord knows making a show and flinging yourself all over the stage isn't for everyone, but the two guitarists and vocalists Emma Richardson and Russell Marsden stood so firmly planted to their spots they could have been glued there. There's a reason live performances are supposed to be a different experience from listening to the songs on your iPod.

A surprise greeted us next when a very small looking Ben Howard was introduced to the stage. Few seemed to recognise the name and the ones who did actually seemed surprised at themselves for knowing who he was. Nonetheless he was greeted with enthusiastic applause as most of the punters had already slipped sweatily over the line of drunkenness. Howard seemed fairly overwhelmed at the throbbing crowd, as by now Brixton Academy was overflowing with people. The nervously grinning, fresh faced young man shuffled across the stage to the chair and microphone that had been placed for him at the centre, his acoustic guitar in tow. At this sight the sober people rolled their eyes at the expectation of another boyishly charming singer-songwriter that mums everywhere will fall in love with. Premonitions of two fairly successful singles that will be repeated over and over on every station for 5 months until he's completely forgotten about, only to be resurrected for a crap (the reviews will say 'disappointing') second album and a couple of Valentine's compilations sparked through peoples minds. The giggling guitarist happened to save himself, however, with the talent he so obviously has for his instrument. He only played two songs, neither particularly memorable, but he certainly didn't spare the opportunity to show off what he could do with 6 strings and a hollow piece of wood. A pleasant surprise.

Disaster struck, The Horrors weren't turning up (Farris had lost his straighteners). But then, a dizzying high in the form of The Maccabees. Their new album releasing a few weeks later, they played a mix of old and new. The boys were just spectacular. Their new tracks really made you look forward to album. Their sound has matured, still hanging on to their signature poppy guitars, but now they're intense, climatic and create a knot of excitement in your stomach. They ended with an adaptation of 'Merry Little Christmas' that will make your hair stand on end.

Time now for XFM's 'Inspiration Award'. Previous recipients including The Strokes and Suede, 2011's title went to Manic Street Preachers. Frontman James Dean Bradfield bounced on stage to accept the award and treat us to a couple of solo songs, including the not-at-all-tired 'Your Love Alone is not Enough'. By this point most of the audience were so drunk they couldn't see the stage, and met the teary cries of "thank you so much Brixton" with a mumbled 'you're welcome mate' before chucking the rest of their pint at where they guessed the stage to be. 

Now finally, finally, the headliners were due to hit the stage. Kaiser Chiefs, with the strange DIY release of their latest album, came armed with the poppy, anthem, football fan twang of their first album, along with their heavier, slightly darker new stuff. You can guess what got this crowd riled up. With the crescendoing 'ooooh's of 'Everyday I Love You Less and Less', 'The Angry Mob' and 'Oh My God', the songs from the first album were met with thunderous foot stamping and hand clapping, every word and beat joined in with by the sweaty mass. Their newer stuff didn't kick up so much life from the crowd. Admittedly, it's not nearly as catchy. However, the theme song to Postman Pat is catchy, the Go Compare advert is catchy, Cher Lloyd is fucking catchy (to the point you want to stick a pencil in your eye to distract yourself). Catchy doesn't mean quality, and unfortunately, although the Chiefs have done a pretty good job in developing themselves musically, the tunes themselves really quite good, it doesn't look like they've got a chart topper on their hands. The first album, unlike the latest, appealed to a majority with a 'hype now, forget about later' vibe. The new stuff is more raw, with sadder vocals and more distorted guitar. Sort of a 'if Chiefs went grunge' experience. 

The atmosphere in general was a little depressing, even with the generally good line up. Headline bands not turning up, over enthusiastic hosts and half an audience that couldn't hold their drink. Bottom line is, if you don't listen to XFM regularly, don't buy a ticket this year. However, if you do, I hope you have an amazing time. 

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Words - Alexandra Randall