By Megan Foulk, Co-Deputy Music Editor
Proving their title transcends marketing and rings just as true on stage, the seven-piece's satin-draped set sparkled with talent and swallowable American charm. Convincing even the stiffest-lipped of Brits to have a boogie, the jazz, funk, disco mash-up succeeded in staying spontaneous despite the formality of the setting.
Supported by Australian indie rock band Last Dinosaurs, who gloriously referred to Thekla with hazy recollection, 'last time we toured in Bristol was thirteen years ago and we played on that boat?!', the shoe-gaze synth-pop introduction was a welcome appetiser, although not quite the entrée you'd expect to proceed the Friends.
Much more Bacardi-breezer and bucket-hat in sound than the Brooklyn based septet, the evening took an even more unexpected turn when a trip to the bathrooms had me sharing a hand dryer with Carla Denyer.
Laughing off a distant echo 'fancy seeing you here!', the Bristol Central MP and Co-Leader of the Green Party (and her signature hoop earrings) disappeared into the crowd contently. If you were looking for a reason to become a Sammy Rae & The Friends fan, you can always add 'endorsed by the Green Party' to the list of pros.
With the image of a toe-tapping Denyer imprinted in my conscious for the rest of the evening, as the Friends opened with 'Thieves' - the most rock inspired offering from debut album Something for Everybody - it was difficult not to cast a scan from the balcony for any other local MPs playing air guitar.
Soon swept away by Rae's effortless vocals and the visual entertainment of watching seven musicians swap instruments for the hell of it, the band could just as easily have been jamming in one of their parents garages as filling out the O2.
Shaking it up for disco anthem 'Cool-Doug, at Night', with guitarist William Leet sharing vocals with Rae, the Elton John sunglasses and suit combo and four-on-the-floor beat had the saccharine appeal of Butlin's karaoke and a one straw fishbowl.
Reminding the audience of their heritage with 'Call Ya Back', a song with so much body percussion Anna Kendrick's 'Cups' felt like a distant memory (probably a blessing in disguise, let's be honest), if Denyer's toes weren't already tapping then no doubt this one had her hands and feet in synchrony.
Returning to their roots with a trilogy from EP The Good Life, released in 2018, 'Talk It Up', 'Kick It to Me' and 'Good Life', saw the band at their most relaxed, shredding solos and revelling in the familiarity of some of their most popular tracks.
Vacating the stage momentarily, Rae returned solo with acoustic in hand and (after some momentary confusion induced by British heckling 'I'm so out of the loop and American I don't know if you guys are making fun of me or not!') the singer announced, 'this is a protest song' and launched into Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' in the Wind'.
Haloed by the spotlight and urging the room to join in singing the final chorus - something which was admittedly too painfully reminiscent of primary school songs of praise for me - the simplicity of the moment allowed Rae's rich vocal talent to shine.
Finishing with the crowd-pleasingly theatrical 'Coming Home Song' and some additional affirmations 'tell your friends you love them!', the curtain closed on what was both an undeniable showcase of musical talent and a true test for British stoicism.
A welcome reminder from across the pond that you are allowed to let your hair down and have some fun, the Friends injected some much needed technicolor into what would have been just another grey Tuesday. Jazz, Funk, Disco, Bob Dylan, and the support of left wing government? You can't ask for much more really can you.
Featured Image: Megan FoulkHave you ever seen someone famous at a gig?
