Live Review: Sebadoh, Fait Accompli

Fait Accompli hit the stage with conviction and passion. Unknown to this reviewer, their set was blistering and intense. The first song took you on a journey that in itself seemed like a microcosm of your average tempestuous relationship; the troughs, the dizzying heights. Vocalist and guitarist Ray Lalatoa's sweet, gentle vocals floated above the stormy undertow of frenetic bass, drum and guitar maelstrom that provided an interesting juxtaposition. Kind of like a good sweet and sour. The rest of their set flowed nicely and the energy barely let up. One to watch out for.

Now Sebadoh are one of those bands that mean a lot to a lot of people. Their indie cred is unquestionable and their relaxed, understated and honest approach to making music has seen them stand the test of time. Even though the heady days of indie are a thing of the past, Sebadoh do not appear to be a band making a 'comeback based on their former glory, they're just making music that suits them. Tonight's intimate gig at the Factory Floor, fast becoming the preferred room to see a band at this venue with its fantastic sound system and cosy vibe, was more like sitting in on a rehearsal than an actual real gig per se. This was their second show of the evening, having played a 5pm set earlier. Lou Barlow mentioned being “psychedelically tired” more than once and often went on little tangents between songs. Yet when they did manage to hit the strings and skins the old indie magic came out to play and it was good.

Performing a selection of old and new songs, some from their 2013 release Defend Yourself , and enough favourites to keep most of the crowd happy, there was certainly a lot of love in the room for the ol' Seb. New song Keep The Boy Alive stood out for this reviewer and they ended the set with the aptly titled Our Love Is Coming To An End. A great show and here's hoping the boys got the well-earned rest they certainly deserved.