The Fratellis, Somerset House
**
The Fratellis kicked off the Summer Series Festival last night by raising their own flag above the grandiose surroundings of Somerset House to the sounds of a lone piper.
It’s a great, grandiose gesture. But it does leave you wishing they had something equally strong up their sleeves to follow suit, rather than the meat and potatoes rock they have made their own.
Sadly, it is not to be. The Fratellis kick off with the lumpen sing along shuffle of recent single Mistress Mabel and keep the temperature luke-warm throughout, like Oasis bereft of any charisma or fighting. Maybe that’s a bit too harsh.
The crowd – oiled up on booze and relieved that it has finally stopped raining – love them, stomping along contentedly.
Sometimes you can almost understand why. Chelsea Dagger – predictably well received – features a sing along so dumb it can only be genius, while A Heady Tale introduces a rollicking bar room piano.
Most of the time, though, you’re just left wishing the bagpipes would start up again.
The Summer Series Festival runs until 19 July. There are still tickets left for Lupe Fiasco (14th), We Are Scientists (15th) and Adele (19th), £25, www.seetickets.com
-Ben Martin
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