In traditional indie-gig style, The Foundry was flooded with an ocean (view) of bucket hats, baggy jeans and oversized t-shirts last Friday as the infectious, breezy spirit of Easy Life took to the Sheffield Student Union stage.
Armed with a brass trio to accompany the musical talent of the Leicester-based five piece, the ninety-minute set transcended that of a gig, becoming more of a full-blown production – and a masterclass to any aspiring artist in how to put on a good show. The sold-out Sheffield date made up the first leg of the indie band’s 28 date UK and Europe Life’s a Beach tour, following the release of the album of the same name earlier this year, which reached number two in the UK Album Chart.
First to meet the fast-filling crowd, however, was support act Berwyn, providing a confusing mass of indecipherable rap lyrics and juxtaposing choruses set to lolled guitar rhythms – all whilst drinking a cup of tea. Despite this, the anticipation of what was to come provided Berwyn with the crowd’s unbroken attention and an air full of hands to accompany his softer, more personal song ‘To Be Loved’, played on the piano by the rapper himself.
Providing a sense of intimacy with both the stage and the stranger-behind-you’s breath on your neck, the somewhat small floor of The Foundry was the perfect breeding ground for that familiar packed-out pre-gig anticipation shared by all. It was only when, after a short interlude of excited chatter and failed chants, the band entered the stage (accompanied by a pre-flight safety announcement) the crowd burst into chaotic life.
Opening their twenty-five-strong setlist with fan favourite ‘pockets’, Easy Life quickly reminded the word-perfect crowd why they are fans of their distinctive, kaleidoscopic sound. With little talking in between, the band powered out as many of their mellow melodic jams and catchy lyrics as humanly possible. Effortlessly interchanging between their lesser-known earlier releases of ‘houseplants’ and ‘dead celebrities’ and their more recent creations of ‘have a great day’ and ‘lifeboat’, Easy Life truly provided a performance for fans. Yet, even for those who may have come along not knowing much more than a few from the latest album, the layers of velvety synth hooks, funky guitar solos and head-nodding drumbeats make it near-impossible to not instinctively bop along.
‘peanut butter’ soundtracked a wall of people sat high on shoulders bouncing along whilst the additional trombone, saxophone and trumpet provided a lustrous background to the nonchalant vocals of frontman Murray Matravers. In true Easy Life fashion, each song featuring the brass band felt seemingly effortless, despite being meticulously constructed with flawless instrumentation.
Yet, as polished as their sound was, what would an Easy Life gig be without a little raucous engagement with the crowd? After filling in Arlo Park’s verses of ‘sangria’, we were treated to a restart of ‘skeletons’, as Matravers encouraged more mosh pits and energy. Not knowing what he was letting himself in for, he then had his Nike stolen – one that made up his “only pair of tour shoes” – as he dived into the crowd. Labelling the Sheffield crowd and its many mosh pits as a “rowdy bunch”, the band concluded their set with ‘ocean view’, much to the delight of the crowd.
Chants of “easy, easy” and – of course – “Yorkshire” filled the room as the band were begged to return onstage for their encore, consisting of ‘nightmares’ and an epic finale of ‘music to walk home to’ perfectly adapted for each instrumentalist to showcase their talent, whilst being deservedly introduced by Murray to screams and applause.
Having stopped at nothing to keep the party going with their confidence and charm, Easy Life delivered a gig perfectly fitting to what makes the band so loveable – chilled vibes with the energy of a rock concert.
Rating: 5/5
