It’s been a while since these Crims of the Fun-lovin’ kind last ventured to the Shaky Isles. Touring off the back half of their second record’s 25th anniversary, the classic 100% Colombian (1998); the Fun Lovin’ Criminals return. 
From the lounge to the poolside, the Fun Lovin’ Criminals send up unlawful activity with smooth grooves and Latino tinges. Bleeding Funk, R’n’B, Swing, Hip-hop and Rap. Dressed up in cool threads with plenty of urban New York flair.
Minus long-time frontman Huey Morgan (who left in 2021), the group are now fronted by founding member/keyboardist/trumpeter/bassist Brian Leiser.
25 years away equates to an accumulation of 90’s kids now fully grown and eager to catch FLC in action once again.
But first it was time for local act Goodshirt to set the vibe for the evening.
On tour and opening for FLC the previous night in Wellington at The Hunter Lounge, Goodshirt energetically ran through a dozen catchy tunes, including their hit sing-alongs Sophie and Green. Well played, and well setup for what was to come.
By 930pm the floor was full as Sinatra’s Theme From New York, New York cued FLC to take the stage.
With the sound cranked and the guys ready to go, they launched straight into album one track one, The Fun Lovin’ Criminal (from 1996’s Come Find Yourself), and they were away!
Hawaiian shirts were the attire of choice for the night, the lads bouncing around by now, with all in the first few rows loosening up to match the on-stage energy level.
Three more off their first record followed. Passive/Aggressive, Smoke Em and Bombin’ the L.
Segueing into a back-to-back string off the aforementioned anniversary record. Up On the Hill, the loungey ambient album opener typically showcased the band’s ability to groove over hypnotic melodies.
Love Unlimited, a homage to you know who, and introduced as that legend that went by the name of Mr Barry fucking White. The groove was clear, as was the fact that this band has normalised the use of the F word. One of those culprits was the heavily bearded one, British import drummer Frank Benbini, who shared the spokesman role, and laid down great grooves as well as vocal rapping’s.
Travelling light as a three-piece, the group gelled well as a unit, playing off each other with musical exchanges and banter alike. The band utilised backing-tracks and triggers which were incorporated rather seamlessly.
Newest band member Naim Cortazzi played very tasty guitar, switching effortlessly between his Les Paul and Fender Strat axes’.
The Fun-Lovin’ lads are not averse to re-dressing covers, such as swinging 10CC’s I’m Not in Love and Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train.
A generous encore followed, Loco (with its bass sample of Little River Band’s Happy Anniversary) and Bump exemplified what the band is all about. Selections that wouldn’t go amiss at a midsummer pool party or on The Sopranos soundtrack.
You don’t like flying, this MF slept like 42 hours on the flight from London. Jerk off! exclaimed Leiser of Cortazzi’s flying habits. These guys are great at swearing, it flows so naturally.
With Leiser’s acknowledgements and praise for those who turned up to the show, and gratitude for the ongoing journey that has been, Fun Lovin’ Criminals were done and dusted.
Announcing that they were heading off to the Ding Dong Lounge to spin some vinyl. Some of the rest of us were ready to hunt down some late-night Scooby snacks. That was a whole lot of mischievous fun for sure!
Mike Beck
Photography by Leonie Moreland
Fun Lovin’ Criminals
Goodshirt
