TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB | LIVE REVIEW
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Thurs 3 Oct
Changing Of The Seasons and Satisfaction Guaranteed. Northern Ireland’s resident alternative hit factory, Two Door Cinema Club, premiere their latest album False Alarm on the opening night of their first UK tour in two years. Kicking off proceedings in the Welsh capital, the three-piece – accompanied by their new touring lineup – exhibited a sense of humour off the bat with an overly dramatic dubbed countdown, ending with alarms and the message across the arena’s giant screens: “Error: Please Try Again”. Whereupon the crowd were treated to an alternating new-vs-old-style setlist, setting the room up for a night of good vibes – rather than just a two-hour promotion opportunity.
While Two Door Cinema Club have never abandoned the formula laid down in their early days -teenage heartache and catchy riffs – the evolution of the band might surprise casual fans. Taking to the stage suited and booted, sipping wine between songs and adopting deeper vocal tones exemplify their newfound maturity. Still, while they might no longer be the rowdy teens of yore, they’re still as eager to see fans dance like football hooligans while shouting back early numbers – Undercover Martyn, Sleep Alone, What You Know – as they are to take a more artistic approach with latest singles Talk, Dirty Air and Satellite.
With their open-plan stage, this version of TDCC make you wonder if you’ve accidentally entered a modern jazz cafe, but we’re totally here for it. After an hour of vocalist Alex Trimble pushing his sophisticated image change, bandmates Sam Halliday and Kevin Baird pause proceedings to surprise the birthday boy – Trimble is 30 today, don’t you know – with cake, a happy birthday singalong and pint of Guinness before returning to the back catalogue.
Two Door Cinema Club are a band who connect with their audience on an emotional level. Although they might not boast the wild showmanship of other acts, this tour will provide the perfect pre-drinks spot for a night on the town. Flawless in sound yet unpredictable, it seems every date on this tour is going to be a unique one.
words MORGAN RICHARDS photos JONATHAN HERRON