It's not often you hear the ancient language of Welsh being spoken in the capital - let alone being sung.
But even if you don't understand the words, when they're wrapped up in the impossible-to-dislike melodies of the Super Furry Animals, it doesn't really matter. | "Totally original and on fantastic form, this was undoubtedly one of the band's best ever shows..." |
By way of announcing the release of their new singles collection Songbook, the band had assembled a kind of mini-festival.
Included were other kindred spirits like the psychedelic Zabrinski, Richard James of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, and former druggie Howard Marks, providing a confessional booth for repentant gig-goers. singalong
The audience had come to see the five-piece headliners though, and their promised three contrasting sets.
First off, a kind of benevolent acoustic introduction in the venue's ballroom for those who didn't have tickets for what was to follow. They then de-camped to the Festival Hall itself, performing first their more low-key tunes. Singer Gruff Rhys was on note-perfect form as the sublime 'Demons' floated over what he soon re-christened the "People's Festival Hall".
Other winners from the Welsh-language album Mwng, early singalong single 'If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You' and the summery optimism of 'Hello Sunshine' only confirmed how versatile they are.
inspired If anyone needed more proof, they returned later with their guitars plugged in, and vigorously belted out tunes like 'Golden Retriever' and 'Do Or Die'.  Everyone was suddenly on their feet, swiftly forgetting the RFH's usual atmosphere of reserve.
The band wore their techno heritage on their sleeves with 'Receptacle For The Respectable', and the pogoing at the front became more frantic as anti-hero anthem'The Man Don't Give A..." finished things off.
Totally original and on fantastic form, this was undoubtedly one of the band's best ever shows, the likes of which the Royal/People's Festival Hall is unlikely to see again for ages. | 
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