Fun Lovin' Criminals (Support The Milk) - O2 Academy Bristol, 10/02/17

Photo credit: Martin Thompson

Bristol’s 02 Academy is feeling the funk tonight with the Fun Lovin’ Criminals supported by Essex group The Milk.

This gang no doubt have soul in their bones, singing perfectly harmonised, funk-laced stories of home. One minute you’re in a dark, smoky bar with Amy Winehouse-esque rhythms, the next its wandering Bourbon Street with Sam Cooke style soul. There’s no getting away from the mix of influences here, which can only conclude that they are unique in their own right. Travelling through mountains and valleys of tempo and melody, you just don’t have enough cool to keep up with these cats. Proof of the fact that you should always turn up for the support act, ok?

Next it’s the FLC, launching straight into a chat about why smoking the ‘erb is ‘medicinal’ and waving their hands in the air like they just don’t care. They really don’t – Huey is so laid back without his guitar strapped on he would be led down. Uncle Frank pops funky beats one-handed with a drink in the other while Fast jazzes things up on the keys, playing trumpet at the same time. Huey chimes in with guitar solos to hold the attention of any doubter that he’s a credible player and tonight goes to show how underrated he is. 

Giving the crowd what they’re after with classics like Loco, Smoke ‘em and Scooby Snacks, not one person isn’t tapping into their inner hip-hop rocker and bouncing along. Dismissing this eclectic band as having been there and done that...? You gotta be crazy.