The Faim with support from Red Hook
at Engine Rooms in Southampton, UK
photos by Phoebe Reeks, words by David Barter

Marking the final night of their UK leg of tour, Australia’s The Faim returned to Southampton to play at Engine Rooms.

Fellow Aussie band, Red Hook made their debut UK appearance on this tour and opened up full of energy, making a loud first impression. Warming up the crowd with ‘Only Bones’, they showed off their large attitude that certainly commanded the crowd’s attention.

They took the time to introduce themselves and gave a warm welcome to all who had come to watch, before proceeding with a high-octane show. The Sydney-based group played a number of their popular tracks including the newest single ‘Jabberwocky’, as well as mixing up the set with some nods to iconic tracks like Limp Bizkit’s ‘Break Stuff’ and Quad City DJ’s ‘Space Jam’ woven into their own songs. The crowd responded to their alternative presence, dancing along and even forming a wall of death for their closing track ‘Bad Decisions’. Red Hook definitely left their imprint among the spectators and energised the venue ready for the headline act to take to the stage.

Returning to the UK after two years, The Faim seemed like they had lost time to make-up as they opened their set emphatically with ‘Ease My Mind’ off their upcoming second album Talk Talk. They were in their element, clearly relishing in the excitement to be back touring the European circuit as the tempo failed to halt leading into ‘Tongue Tied’. Frontman, Josh Raven, was very communicative with the crowd showing genuine appreciation for the fan’s support which set up ‘ERA’ that felt like an ode to everyone there.

The band dominated the stage as Josh bounced around from start to finish as well as bassist/keyboardist, Stephen Beerkens being highly emotive whilst juggling his two instruments. It filled the venue with a positive buzz that the crowd fed off, singing and dancing along to every song. The Faim teased some new tracks from Talk Talk including ‘You (and my addiction)’ and ‘Flowers’, both of which being great additions to the small sample currently available. There was also a selection of the older fan-favourites including ‘Saints of the Sinners’ and the heartfelt, ‘Make Believe’.

The night concluded with an unconventional encore, with the band remaining onstage asking the audience if they’d like one, which of course they did. Sounding off with a fan favourite, ‘Summer is a Curse’ shredding sultry riffs and a thumping beat as if the room itself had a heartbeat. Josh Raven embraced the crowd for one final time during their outro of ‘The Hills’ and ended the evening with one last message “Thank you for your time and attention” - a genuine heartfelt appreciation for the love and support by the fans, a feeling that was sincere throughout. The Faim imprinted a warming vibe that hopefully they will bring back to the UK, before another two years pass by.

THE FAIM: SOUTHAMPTON, UK - 16.06.22

RED HOOK

THE FAIM