When Cage the Elephant first started out, I can't imagine that playing a gig in Wakefield was high on their list of aspirations, but, if like myself you were in attendance on Friday night; you'd of thought all their dreams had come true with the performance they put in, as they played out a set I'll certainly never forget.
It was a spellbinding performance from start to finish, as the Kentuckians rip-roared their way through an epic 21-song-long setlist. Following the release of their latest album 'Tell Me I'm Pretty', Cage must of had a real headache when picking the tracks to play on tour. 8 out of 10 from the new album were chosen in Wakefield, which only goes to prove the strength of their latest material. But still, classics from their self titled debut, 'Thank You, Happy Birthday' and 'Melophobia' featured strongly. It was a lively, raucous gig - the crowd were in high spirits and Matt Schultz & co did not displease. Highlights included long-time favourite 'Aberdeen', new tracks 'Cold Cold Cold', 'Sweetie Little Jean' and 'Mess Around', as well as 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked' (of course), 'Cigarette Daydreams' and 'Shake Me Down'.
Cage were like a conveyer belt, delivering belter after belter for a solid hour and a half; there wasn't a point throughout the whole course of the evening that arms weren't in the air. For a band with a plethora of talent as much as Cage the Elephant, it's genuinely a shame to see them only performing in venues the size of Unity Works (despite it being incredible for those of us there) - this band deserves far more credit for what they're doing, and it's time the UK recognises them. Cage the Elephant played: Cry Baby In One Ear Spiderhead Take It or Leave It Aberdeen Too Late to Say Goodbye Cold Cold Cold Sweetie Little Jean Trouble Ain't No Rest for the Wicked Portuguese Knife Fight Mess Around Telescope Punchin' Bag Back Against the Wall It's Just Forever Teeth Come a Little Closer Cigarette Daydreams Shake Me Down Sabertooth Tiger