Razorlight- This Is A Blindin' DVD
Unusually, they film a sound check in which enigmatic frontman Johnny Borrell sings one of the songs that appeared on one of the Razorlight's early releases. This song is 'Heart Break Soup' which he performs beautifully even though there is no-one there to watch. There's also a song from their first gig with the then new drummer Andy Burrows which just screams The Libertines at you, before a performance on the roof tops of a pub where hundreds of people all staring up at the stars sing along in perfect timing to 'Golden Touch'.
Combining the videos made with ex drummer Christian Smith-Pancorvo and Andy Burrows, such songs as 'Rock N' Roll Lies', 'Stumble and Fall’ and 'Vice' all make an appearance, most notable is their recent single 'Somewhere Else'. Captured in Film Noir this one sees Johnny singing from street to street in between shots of the band drinking and playing pool. Even though the song is slightly out of sync with the video, it doesn't detract from the essence of it, but may be said to enhance it.
The main feature is their appearance at Carling's Brixton Academy in October of last year. A set list with sixteen songs- every single one performed with as much conviction and passion as the last. 'Rip It Up' literally rips open their set as they run on, one after the other and the energy just explodes.
"Remember remember when you died your hair and you said at the time that you didn’t care, I told you darlin' that life wasn't fair, you can go anywhere you want but don't go there..." the riff that follows is one that sends a scream of recognition through the crowd as the Razorlight run into the beautiful 'Dalston'; a song that would tear up any dance floor with its passionate lyrics and typical shots of indie sounds that blend so well.
They storm on with one heart-breaker/love-maker after another, the constant focus upon the frontman whilst the others run and smile between each other; yet they combine their energy as a band and even watching it on a TV screen you can sense the overwhelming sensation that's flooding off of the stage. One particular beauty of the Razorlight is how well Johnny, rather than engage in the usual banter with the audience, weaves it into the songs so well they would pass unnoticed as original lyrics, whilst the band keep it all together-flowing constantly.
Put together in a clear and coherent form and one that is certainly most pleasing to the eye, this DVD is a must have for any fan, and anyone who watches and isn't at the start, will surely be by the end.