The Redwalls Victoria Hall
As support to The Zutons, having a relatively unknown band hailing from Chicago may seem strange. But then The Redwalls do have a certain likeness with a certain Fab Four. Those floppy haircuts aside the influence extends to a distinct penchant for pop hooks, cocky assured lyrics, not to mention a bass playing vocalist.
Tonight they solely seem to be providing the energy before a largely static audience. Unlike the more tedious support acts, masses are being slowly drawn away from the bar towards this tight, potent sound. Unbeknown to the majority, The Redwalls have already released three albums Stateside and such nous shows; confidently deflecting an apathetic crowd and simply getting on with it. Yet bassist Justin Baren simply cannot allow for such boredom and promptly entices dancing from the ladies to whom he indulges with his winsome drawl. The opposite sex remains on his mind as he takes things slow and laments during 'The Game Of Love'. Having compiled such a back catalogue it must feel strange introducing a debut single to an oblivious set of new admirers. For those just arriving, the blissful harmonies during 'Memories' could easily allude to a nostalgic take on The Beach Boys.
With a familiar but fresh sound the songs are largely drawn from their self-titled second album supplemented by those due on their next release except a feedback drenched 'Back Together'. As the set draws to a close it becomes difficult to ignore the 1960’s influences, not only The Beatles but The Rolling Stones. Devilishly rasping riffs that Keith Richards would be proud to call his own appear for a mo-town finale in 'Balinese (Deep In The Heart)'. Hell, the band even dress in 60’s attire, with lead singer Logan Baren in pin stripe trousers, and his brother Justin in a throwback leather jacket. Yet however dated their sound or appearance may be, The Redwalls are certainly a name worth dropping for the future.