One hell of a WAKE

Published on September 13, 2007

 Much to my surprise Welsh post-hardcore band Funeral For A Friend put on a great show for their sold-out Thailand debut.

At the Baryantree Maxx pub on Sunday the outfit took to the stage backed by quality lighting and sound.

"It's amazing!" said Ebola singer Ae, soaked with sweat. "I've never seen a concert like this before. Guitarist [Darren Smith] and his Iron Maiden-influenced riffs … I love it!"

"The concert is great - unbelievable for a pub venue. The lighting is fantastic," confirmed Oblivious' guitarist, Oui.

Other local musicians attending included members of Clash, Big Ass and Sweet Mullet, as well as actor Chris Benjakul.

Funeral had flown in fresh from a Singapore gig.

More than 1,000 fans had crowded the pub by 6.30pm, mostly Thai but with a sprinkling of farangs.

The five-piece wasted no time, blasting off with "Into Oblivion (Reunion)", the first track on their latest album "Tales Don't Tell Themselves".

The punters loved the soaring guitars punctuated with Matthew Davies-Kreye's heartfelt vocals.

Without missing a beat we were into "All the Rage", with Davies-Kreye getting up close with the audience. "This song is for you," he bellowed.

The house went wild, then sang along with the opening strains of the hit "Juneau".

"Put your hands in the air," shouted guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts, leading the band into "Great Wide Open". The crowd echoed the lyrics of "She Drove Me to Daytime Television", which was followed by "Out of Reach".

By now the audience had crushed up towards the stage as the band launched into "The End Of Nothing", sounding a lot like Korn with its thick rhythms in D and roaring vocals. This is where Smith's guitar really began to spray Iron Maiden-like notes.

Another metal number, "This Year's Most Open Heartbreak", was followed by the slower, easier "Raise the Sail".

Then came "Bullet Theory", the intricate guitar work of "Roses for the Dead", and power-rock number "Walk Away".

Two rock ballads - including "History" - brought the concert to a close.

But Funeral resurrected for two encores - catchy tunes "Streetcar" and "Escape Artists Never Die".

Terminal Extra found Funeral a perfect fit for its "Block Party" concert series. And the promoter has good news for fans of blistering guitar licks - in collaboration with Singapore's LAMC Production it's bringing Muse to Bangkok in December.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

 The Nation