So I saw WAS, being supported by Forward Russia last night at the Academy.

What a change of opinion I had. Don't get me wrong, I think FR's music is much too random and 'unconventional' for me. I wouldn't be able to listen to their album if I was reading in my room or something. But they just seemed to shine, live. The singer fits around like a lunatic, and they don't look particularly good on stage, but they seemed to be brilliant. How they got everyone dancing, I don't know, but they did. If you like them and haven't seen them, do. Even I was singing along to Nine and Twelve.

As for WAS, their music seemed fine. A couple of weird things though... They really connect with the crowd like I've not seen anyone do in the past. They're far from one of my favourite bands (I think they're very average), but they just talk all the time, to the crowd, to eachother, to the supports selling their merch etc... Its shocking how different people like the Secret Machines are, that don't even thank the crowd for applause.
Second weird thing... the crowd. It was like half emo/indie kids, half bold, cap-wearing, burberry-clad lager louts, sweating like Danny Glover in Predator 2.

It always seems to be the gigs I least look forward to that impress me the most.