Live Review: Funeral For A Friend, Save Your Breath and Telegraphs - Exeter Lemon Grove 8/10/2009

Funeral For A Friend are known for having one hell of a live reputation, and tonight was no exception. Before the headliners we are treated to support acts which end up with different results.

Telegraphs, who have recently been touring with Eagles Of Death Metal, show little experience of playing live and receive little reaction from the crowd, as they play through a short set that is overall disappointing.

On the other hand, Save Your Breath show plenty of energy throughout, as front man Dave Webb encourages the crowd with his frantic energy, even managing to work the crowd into a circle pit. The Song 'Your Ovens On Fire' is a huge hit with the audience with its instantly catchy chorus and huge sing-a-long bridge. It is clear that there are big things on the way for this band, as their set leaves a great impression on the crowd.

As Funeral For A Friend open with 'Streetcar', the Welsh five-piece manage to set the whole venue alive. As the band play through a set that stretches throughout their back catalogue, not one person tonight is unsatisifed as vocalist Matt Davies is on top form as always and the band as a whole thrive off the energetic crowd. New song 'Wrench' shows that the band are still able to write songs with catchy chrouses showcasing their song writing ability as a band. As the band end on 'Juneau', it can clearly be said Funeral For A Friend despite releasing a Greatest Hits collection, arn't going anywhere soon, and this is to the delight of fans everywhere.

Funeral For A Friend's latest album 'Your History is Mine: 2002–2009' is available now Atlantic

Remaining dates:
22nd - Aberdeen Moshulu (without Save Your Breath)
24th - Derry Nerve Centre (without Save Your Breath)
25th - Dublin Academy (without Save Your Breath)
27th - Nottingham Rock City (without Save Your Breath)
28th - Cambridge Junction (without Save Your Breath)
29th - Norwich UEA (without Save Your Breath)
30th - Birmingham O2 Academy (without Save Your Breath and Telegraphs)
Nov 3rd - Cardiff Coal Exchange (without Save Your Breath and Telegraphs)

Funeral For A Friend on Myspace
Save Your Breath on MySpace
Telegraphs on MySpace

Jade Lewsey