I didn’t know it at the time, but when I last saw The LaFontaines perform, the world would go on to experience a pandemic in the next couple of years, throwing the band’s fate into disarray. Fast forward to September 2024, and here we are: waiting to watch the trio take on Leeds’ The Wardrobe*, after supercharging their career with latest album, ‘Business As Usual’.

They were commanding from the get-go, thanks to frontman Kerr’s dry wit, engaging eye contact and banter with the crowd setting the tone for the show. Very much a joyful blend of rock, pop and indie, with comedy sewn in, The LaFontaines delivered a night to remember — and the sort you don’t get from any other outfit. Although positioned front row, I glanced back and not a soul at any given time wasn’t totally hooked. 

“Are you still playing in your wee band?” might seem a fair question for someone to ask a trio of fellas still going strong after 17 years, but their sound speaks for itself. Kerr, Jamie and Darren have a lot of responsibility on each of their shoulders; getting the crowd in the palm of your hand is one thing, but singing harmonised choruses while drumming is an another level of incredible. And the fancy six-string work that holds all the melodies together? An epic feat. So many reasons why I’ll gladly go to see The Fonts play time and time again. 

Parting the crowd, summoning mini mosh pits, staging an encore… We were served the lot, in their seriously ace display of showmanship. And what was nice for old fans and new, was they crafted a setlist of tracks from all four albums. That meant we devoured older highlights such as ‘Class’, ‘Under The Storm’, ‘King’ and the mid-encore ‘Release The Hounds’. But ‘Torture’ and ‘Body’ provided some of the finest throwback cuts. It was only right that they closed proceedings with the all-encompassing ‘All In’, too.

We were there for the ‘Business As Usual’ tour, though, so Jamie had the spotlight well and truly shone on his angelic vocals for that single. But ‘Where They Know My Name’ was another fresh belter. Chuffed to hear that my favourite from the record, ‘Keep Me On The Outside’, is the band’s as well was an understatement. They romped through a raucous rendition of that absolute banger, reminding everyone that they can be a hardened rock outfit when they want to be.

But the tune I haven’t been able to shake since? ‘Good Life’ — a summary of what everyone left thinking they have after a gig like that. Stellar.

*With thanks to Chuff Media for the press access.