Sum 41 + Reuben + Sound & Fury @ The Academy – 3rd March 2008

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For a band who are yet to release a full length album, Sound And Fury receive an enthusiastic welcome from the young crowd. Their power chord packed rock n roll goes down well, but the atmosphere quickly evaporates as the set goes on. Although they are entertaining, the songs become repetitive having not heard them before and a lack on energy onstage from anyone other than frontman Luke Metcalf fails to really get the crowd moving. Still, it could be a very different story in the near future once word of the Toronto newcomers has had chance to spread.

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British boys Reuben are far more experienced, with this support slot serving as a warm up for their forthcoming headline tour in April. Rock Sound’s ‘Most Underrated Band’ of 2007 may not be particularly well known in the mainstream, but their ever growing fan base is evidence of their success. Tonight they deliver their diverse rock with perfect form, perhaps promising that they won’t be going unnoticed for much longer.

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Sum 41 have not played in the Midlands for a some time, and they don’t intend to let up the suspense too soon. The lights go up on the stage ten minutes before the band are due on, winding up the crowd to the point that when the Canadian pop-punkers finally emerge, they’re ready to go completely mental.

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New single opener ‘Underclass Hero’ shows the band’s return to the ‘All Killer And No Filler’ style after the heavier sound of 2004’s ‘Chuck’, a move welcomed by the majority of fans. Although Sum 41 are best known for their fun-loving, at times just plain silly pop-punk, their more recent albums moved towards a more political viewpoint. ‘We’re All To Blame’ points the finger at America for their involvement in Iraq, yet it seems tonight’s crowd are not interested in political messages, preferring instead to beat each other senseless in the pit.

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It seems no matter how many darker, heavier, more politically charged albums they release, Sum 41 will always be thought of as a pop-punk band. This is no criticism however, as their bouncy riffs and energetic stage presence throughout the set are what makes tonight’s show so enjoyable. This along with the impression which radiates from singer and guitarist, Deryck Whibley; that of someone who truly wants to be here and is loving every minute, all the more entertaining.

Tonight’s show involves the crowd every step of the way, from pulling a lucky few up on stage to watch the show at close range, to constant invitations for the fans to sing along or scream ‘Fuck you Deryck’ in unison. It seems that Sum 41 appreciate the fact that they are in the position that they find themselves in because of their fans, and are keen to reward them for their dedication.

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Of course, ‘Fat Lip’ is reserved for the closing stages of the set, providing the chance to sing along, leap around and cause general carnage which everyone knows is coming. Sum 41’s live show more than lives up to any expectation previously held, and their dedication to making the audience a part of the show makes it an unforgettable experience for any fan.

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Review – Helen Catchpowle
Photos – Steve Gerrard

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