In a Loss of Topics on Which to Talk About, Here's a Live Review

Lostprophets Review (Cardiff International Arena, 1st May 2010)

For one of Wales's biggests exports, Lostprophets have only ever actually played a few shows in Cardiff. This will be one of those few, and as the crowd mills in to the resonably sized venue, a feeling of excitement instantly grips everyone. Or perhaps it's the burger I ate 20 minutes ago

Either way, the first support act, Sharks are worthy of a pathetic 3/10. 3 songs into their instantly forgettable, yet reasonably enjoyable set, the lead singer/guitarist throws his guitar down yelling "What the fuck is this?". For a band recently hailed "Hardest working punks in rock today", We can't fail to feel a little short changed. This all changes soon enough, when a particularly hairy roadie, who for the last 10 minutes has been running back and forth, picks up a guitar. Yes, this is Hexes (6/10), and after a few cries of "I want your beard!" from the crowd, they get off to a great start. Whilst they don't have the best, most original style of playing (and screaming), an uundisputable energy flows from the reinvigorated stage, picking up the moshing energy that Sharks threw away

Perhaps most surprisingly, Kids In Glass Houses (8/10) not only fit well with the surrounding metallic bands, they dominate the arena, as the third support act. Perhaps its the army of Welsh fans that swarm forward to catch a glimpse of Aled (lead singer)'s face. Certainly, belting out favourites like "Hunt the Haunted" and "Matters at All", it seems a shame when they eventually leave the stage. They create a gig in their own right

Of course, it's not even started yet. As house lights dim for a forth time, the introduction to "If It Wasn't For Hate" sends shivers across the crowd, and Lostprophets (8/10) burst into full swing with "Dystryr Dystryr", leaving the crowd breathless. Storming through "It's Not The End of The World But I Can See It From Here", the Pontypridd boys grace us with some old action "Burn Burn", bringing heavy mosh pits, and a multitude of screaming and singing from the crowd.

The onslaught continues through the night, with favourites new and old, and even a cover of "Omen" by The Prodigy (which is rather... unprovoking), it seems amazing that an hour and a hlaf ago we watch a primaddona storm off stage. Following "For He's A Jolly Good Felon", someone throws a tie from Ian Watkins (Lead Vocals)'s school on the stage, and the singer ties it round his head as a bandana. Perhaps the highlight of the night is "Shinobi VS Dragon Ninja" which has everyone jumping. After walking off stage, a huge demand for an encore brings the band back on to play "The Light That Shines Twice as Bright", which rather flattens the atmosphere. However, there is no denying this was an awesome show