Hertfordshire was rocked into life when Funeral for a Friend descended upon The Forum in Hatfield.

The University of Hertfordshire's newest live music venue played host to a triple bill, opening with promising Brighton-based band Telegraphs, who were followed by the energetic Save Your Breath from Newport.

From the second the band came on stage, the atmosphere in the room changed. Lead vocalist Matt Davies connected well with the fans and broke up the set list with unobtrusive, lively banter between tracks.

The band pulled no punches or gimmicks in their set which lasted more than an hour, the lack of over the top lighting kept the focus entirely on the music.

The tour to promote a new album, Your History is Mine: 2002-2009, contained a surprisingly large amount of new content. The album is a greatest hits and features four new songs, which were received as well as many of the classics.

On top of this, FFAF's entire set list was chosen by their families and fans of the band.

Die hard fans appreciated a chance to hear their favourite tracks live, without the night being dominated by unknown new songs.

History and She Drove Me To Daytime TV were obvious crowd favourites, getting amazing audience reception. The surprise encore of Into Oblivion sounded like a giant karaoke machine.

Jamie and Josh, two of the university's students, said: “We've seen a few bands this year like The Killers and The Kooks. This was the first time we've seen Funeral For a Friend, but this was definitely the best gig we've been to this year”.

Veteran fans, Keith and Claire of Wheathampstead are 41 and 37 respectively, said: “This is the 6th time we've seen them, and they're as good as ever!”

FFAF controversially ended on a new song which, although well received, left the audience feeling a bit unfinished.

After a minute of chanting the band returned with a three song encore, ending in a stunning performance of Juneau. The night ended in style and paid justice to seven fantastic years of music from one of Britain's most exciting bands.

Kylie Bromwich