After putting in some face time with K & J, I quickly walked down to Bowery to see a British band I've been itching to see live. After numerous setbacks and visa problems, The Rumble Strips took to the stage and played a rousing set of infectious, rambunctious tunes. I've haven't done a post in a while where I'll talk about the show on stage and the show in the crowd. For a show with maybe 250-300 in attendance, it was weird the shenanigans on the floor.
It's been over a year and half of attempts for the British five-piece to make some sort of dent in the U.S., whether it be touring or releasing their brilliant, Tony Hoffer-produced debut album, Girls and Weather. Although it was a little disheartening seeing a modest turn out for a band that I think people will love and enjoy if they gave them a change, The Strips confirmed to me that they have a fantastic sound. More importantly, they are a dynamic live act.
When I first got wind of the band, it reminded me of Dexy's Midnight Runners meets Madness. They make working class pop music about everyday subjects. Whether it be about waking up (Alarm Clock) or pretending to escape on a bicycle (Motorcycle), the Charlie Waller led group have carved a unique sound in the UK music landscape. The sax and trumpet parts that they drop in give songs great bounce and depth.
On stage, Waller's mouth and eyes widen with every loud part. His distinctive voice portrays a wide-eyed exuberance that's pretty appealing to see live. The rest of characters on stage bounce around and play like they are busking on a street corner. With Waller in a beat-up military jacket and vintage guitar, you get the sense that they pieced together their stage show with what they could find at a second-hand store. I really dig their rough-around-the-edges outlook on their music.
For their encore, they put their spin on Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town." Now, that've completed their first U.S. show, they already have album two almost finished. It's those annoyances that happens with British bands. By the time the album is released and they have opportunity to tour, they already have album two in the works. This time, that Mark Ronson kid is behind the boards.
So while I'm having a good time and bopping my head along to songs like "Boys & Girls in Love", there were many goings on around me. If you went, you know what I'm talking about it. There was this drunk British girl who would not shut up. I saw her at the bar, as she tried to get a drink before me. Then, during the Strips set, she would just not shut up yelling "HEEYYYYYYY. YOU PLAY THAT GUITAR." Poor, Charlie had to laugh it off the best he could. Since it's wasn't a big crowd, she just took over the whole show. Between every song, Charlie had to deal with it. "HEYYYYY. I LOOOOOOOOOVVVEEE YOU. TAKE IT OFF. TAKE IT ALLLLLL OFFFFFFF." I tried to difuse the awkwardness by mockering her. Then others around me joined in. Let me tell you gang, she was relentless. She never stopped.
Then, during a slow song, these guys behind me were just fucking loud mouths. Even the band all looked at them with that expression, "Could you please be quiet, we're trying to play." Sometimes, I wish I had a license to throw drinks on people. It was very tempting.
saw them at johnny brenda's, less than 50 people in attendance. met charlie after the show. real gentleman. looking forward to thier 2nd album.
Posted by: jim dunphy | December 06, 2008 at 12:42 PM