19 March 2006 (gig)
22 March 2006
The Rifles must be going up in the world not only have they just completed their own headlining tour and played some bigger venues than ever before, but last week they received the ultimate acclaim…………Tim Lovejoy was sporting a Rifles T-shirt on soccer A.M!!
In line with this growth The Rifles produced a more complete sounding set than I've ever heard from them before. The most popular tracks they played were the old faithfuls, Local Boy, Peace and Quiet and No Love Lost.
For some reason the new single, Repeat Offender received a more muted response, as did a somewhat humdrum sounding Saturday Morning. Perhaps more lively new material is required.
The Rifles, Joel in particular, were not sporting their usual stylish look although Luke did look like he had randomly wandered in from the street in a long overcoat and trilby hat, always a good look. But where was Joels trusty Lyle and Scott v-neck jumper? It sits very well next to the mod style sound of the band circa The Jam 1978, and so it was disappointing to see him in a bland Fred Perry polo shirt. Imagine my surprise then when my eagle-eyed companion pointed out that Matt from The Dead 60's had bounded on in the exact same top, bet that smelt pretty fresh by the time he peeled it off.
The Dead 60's put on a breathless show with barely a pause between tracks. Matt is a very talented and confident front man and really involves the crowd in the show. Riot on the Radio is an excellent track that I have always thought should have received wider acclaim for what is a very innovative ska sound and as expected this got the crowd moving in appreciation.
The organ / Keyboard is used to good effect by The Dead 60's and the appearance of Ben against the blue lighting and backdrop makes him appear as though he could moonlight as an extra in a Gorillaz live show. This sound is used very effectively throughout the Ghostfaced Killer which the band closed the set with, this rather spooky sounding track was much anticipated and did not disappoint. Although it did leave me scampering down Charing Cross Road hoping not to bump into this ghostfaced killer character!!
