The Futureheads at the Clarence, Sligo

There are worse injustices in the world, but as far as the realm of music in recent times is concerned, The Futureheads being dropped is up there with the worst travesties. Back in 2006 when the digital music revolution was beginning to tap the lifeblood of the industry, the Sunderland foursome were the first prolific victims.
But the determination that got them signed to a major label in the first place has endured, and now it’s a case of proving that their decision was hasty.
If this were a movie, this chapter would have ended differently, but judging by their Irish debut of their forthcoming self-released album, they’ve not convinced us fully.
The newies blend in perfectly to their set, but only because their choppy post-punk sensibilities haven’t really progressed since their debut in 2004.
Having just finished a UK tour, they’re undeniably on top form, and arguably hungrier than ever to please the audience and make the most of their new-found freedom. They race through the tracks with a renewed passion that should be mandatory.
Yet as a taste of things to come, one can’t help but wonder whether they’ve already shown us the extent of their abilities. Did they peak too early when they unleashed their trademark sound on that famous cover of ‘Hounds Of Love’? Judging by tonight, it's entirley possible, but let’s hope not.