The Rifles - Brixton Academy
One of the problems of seeing a band you have been following for a few years grow and grow is that they start to play venues that lose the intimacy factor from their gigs. So it was a mixture of excitement and trepidation in the build up before The Rifles biggest ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy. One thing is for sure, the band are still level headed and band member Grant Marsh was in one of the local pubs mixing with both old and new fans.
Inside the venue the crowd at the front were building the excitement up by starting moshing long before the band had left their dressing rooms. Meanwhile the crowd upstairs were getting equally excited by throwing drinks on those below. This reporter, like many others, got drenched and a lot more than usual. Thanks, next time let me drink the beer! As the chants of “Who are ya” went up to those in the balcony the lights went down and The Rifles walked on to air raid sirens.
Kicking off with 'Talking', which was a free download last year, it was clear the band were going to do all they could to try and make this an intimate gig as possible. Those that did not know the opener soon woke up to 'She’s Got Standards' with guitarist Luke Crowther adorning his trade mark hat throughout as the guys turned out a good mix of old favourites and soon to be favourites too. There were also the regular classics of 'She’s Got Standards', 'Repeated Offender', 'Robin Hood' and 'She’s the Only One', with the crowd singing along during the London Calling style instrumental. The crowd also helped Joel out with the singing on his solo song, 'Narrow Minded Social Club', pretty well which was the first of a three song encore. The Rifles were tight throughout, as you would expect from a band more than half way through an extensive UK tour.
The whole night finished with the traditional cover of The Jam’s 'Eton Rifles', which, unlike the Forum gig in March, did not include a guest appearance from the Modfather himself. It has to be the perfect way to end a very near perfect one 1 hour and 25 minute gig.
The only downside, other than getting drenched in beer, seemed to be Joel Stoker’s guitar was a little flat and drowned out. Otherwise the guys proved they were ready to make venues like Brixton Academy their regular home.
This tour was supposed to coincide with the release of their second album “The Great Escape” the long awaited follow up to the highly impressive debut “No Love Lost” but sadly production had been slower than anticipated and it now has a release date at the end of January. Hopefully this means we get treated to another tour then too. Instead the band released a four track EP for the bargain sum of £3, which also gives a £3 discount for the album, so everyone is a winner.
Quick mention also to North London seven piece, Speed Circus, who warmed the crowd up from the cold outside with a great Specials / Madness style Ska / Rock music. Possibly a band to watch out for in the future.
Set List:
Talking
She’s Got Standards
One Night Stand
Romeo and Julie
She’s The Only One
Repeated Offender
I Could Never Lie
Darling Girl
The Great Escape
Fall To Sorrow
Toe Rag
Spend A Lifetime
Hometown Blues
Peace and Quiet
Sometimes
Robin Hood
When I’m Alone
The General
(Encore)
Narrow Minded Social Club
Local Boy
Eton Rifles