From across the pond comes one of the hardest working indie bands today. Founded in 2012, Life in Film is at the halfway point of their first headlining tour of the US. They just finished opening on the Wombats tour a couple months ago, but they’re back at it again, reaching out to new audiences and sharing their artistry with us Yanks. They also put out their debut album Get Closer in April and have more stuff in the works for a sophomore release.
I watched their performance Tuesday, 8/25, at the Rock & Roll Hotel, their first-ever show in DC and I was wowed from start to finish. I spoke briefly with frontman Samuel Fry before the show, who revealed the band all works together to produce their music and that his favorite part of playing live is the unpredictability, giving new life to songs that had only been written and recorded. While at the show, I certainly found new life in songs I had only heard on Spotify. Literally everyone in the crowded space was jamming to the music, dancing and bopping heads to the rich beats. The thick bass shook my beer bottle and the lefty lead guitarist rocked his glasses right off his face. Life in Film has a sound all its own, not derivative in the slightest. Their stage presence was simple and engaging in its appeal, avoiding unnecessary flash and hitting the essentials for a good time. Catch them at their remaining US shows or miss out on a fantastic experience. -Jonathan Goodwin