Above The Noise

McFly - Above The Noise Tour - MEN Arena 19/03/11

Returning back for their first arena tour in two years, the wait has been a long time coming. Following the success of their previous radio: ACTIVE tour, expectations were running high. Bursting onto the stage to raucous screams and cheers from the crowd, fans certainly sounded pleased to have their beloved McFly back where they belong.
     Opening with a string of hits from their new album, including Party Girl, Nowhere Left To Run and If U C Kate, its clear McFly have revolutionised into a new genre of music; ditching their former pop-rock sound for a cheesy dance-club style beat (although the tour programme claims new producer, Dallas Austin, “doesn’t do cheesy!”). It appears the band are heading in a new musical direction, leaving their rock-pop roots behind, in order to appeal to the ‘X-Factor pop-twenty’ crowd. It’s certainly a far cry from their former edgy, infectious rock past that oozed originality and excitement; whilst the ‘new’ McFly appear to be transmitting the sounds of a manufactured product that fails to set them apart from competing artists. Although the new material was received warmly enough, it wasn’t until the band launched into their older hits, including crowd favourites Star Girl, Lies and All About You that the audience ignited into an excited frenzy as they delightedly sang and danced along.

There is no denying that McFly put on a good show, and always come with a few tricks up their sleeve. Unleashed unto the sea of fans were ginormous beach balls, each baring a band member’s name, whilst a giant perspex walkway was lowered down to the stage, allowing the band to walk out above the adoring crowd below. But it all felt as if these antics had been seen before – the flying stage from the radio: ACTIVE tour, the t-shirt gun, the ticker tape, the fire and the fireworks (all stunts performed by Green Day on their recent world tour – and in a far more spectacular style). It’s a shame the band couldn’t build on these ideas, rather than deliver inferior imitations. It seemed as if their creativity had dwindled somewhat this time around, and after much of the hype surrounding Super City, and the promise of a superhero inspired show, sadly it all felt a bit more Clark Kent than Superman.

Indeed, it was hard not to notice the distinct difference between the 'old' and 'new' McFly, as the dance-pop, club beat sound seems so unsuited to their character. As the band jammed enthusiastically through the set, it was clear to see that these boys want to rock – it’s what they’re good at. With their personal musical influences comprising of the likes of Green Day, Bruce Springsteen and Blink 182, admittedly it seems strange that McFly appear to have abandoned what they love most. In the past, they have successfully covered classic rock artists including Queen and The Beatles. On this occasion they treated fans to a rather embarrassing rendition of Pass Out by rap artist (yes rap), Tinie Tempah, whilst singer Danny Jones pranced about in dark sunglasses – I wasn’t sure whether this was meant to be serious, or just a bit of pantomime. Even the bands most popular hit, Five Colours In Her Hair, that set them on the road to success was scrapped from its usual home place in the encore, being replaced by new single Shine A Light. Does this mean the old songs aren’t good enough any more? Will the pop-rock infused sound of McFly eventually die out?

Having always been a creative, exciting and original band, it’s sad to see McFly heading into the world of the manufactured. With a newly revamped sound, they could quite easily be compared to any other dance-pop artist in the charts. Their songs lack those characteristic cheeky lyrics, infectious and driving riffs, and above all, that authenticity and originality which has always set them apart. But with the influence of new producer, Dallas Austin, their usual creativity seems to have been compromised, and sold out to the disco beat. Interestingly, the complete top tier of the arena was not sold out, and ticket holders were being offered complementary upgrades – is this a sign that McFly are losing some of their audience to their new sound?

I can’t help but feel the dance-club style sound will limit the bands longevity. Fans are likely to grow out of this genre of music at some stage, and the ‘club culture’ is certainly limited to a restricted audience. It appears as if the band have allowed themselves to be manipulated by outside influences, resulting in a product that sounds nothing like the band we know and love. But will they ever return to their pop-rock past? I certainly hope so, as I want to see McFly live on, and not die out with the world of ‘X-Factor has been’s,’ because these guys actually have the talent to stick around.                                

A few video clips from the show

Opening to the show - Party Girl

Lies

Falling In Love