 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
In the last few months south London based quartet MetroRiots have probably spent more time abroad, opening for US band Juliette And The Licks, playing to packed venues, than gigging their own country. That may be very disappointing for the fans but of course excellent news for singer Damo, guitarist Danny Fury, bassist Sammy Ray and drummer Ollie Parker.
Not having had the chance to make it to one of their European gigs brings me to Portsmouth where I have an opportunity to catch them entertaining an English public with their American travelling buddies.
Long standing darlings of the London live scene and after the success of their 2006 single ‘When You’re Gone’, matters are getting serious and these guys are on a mission!
The mission of promoting their forthcoming debut album, ‘Night Time Angel Candy’, an important turning point in any band’s life.
It does feel like a new beginning as every track played tonight is lifted from aforementioned Lp.
However the Riots do open with often performed ‘Poison The Bride’.
With Damo wearing his trademark uniform of black skinny jeans, black leather jacket and dark glasses, the Riots start as they mean to go on, fast and furious.
Their characteristic blend of rock/ blues is still present.
‘Watch Every Word’, ‘Lured Into Roulette’ and ‘Baby You’ve Become Another Habit’ fill the air in quick succession.
And now enigmatic front man Damo introduces:” a song to shake your ass to “, ‘Butcher Of Hollywood’. Effectively the rockabilly beat incites body movements from the attentive audience and with that over they launch into ‘Teddy Bundy x100’.
The venue isn’t filled yet as the public is still filtering through the doors but yet the temperature has risen considerably.
On stage The Riots have chosen the easy option of taking their tops off while Damo loses his jacket.
They announce that they only have time for two more tracks before they will leave the stage to the main act, actress Juliette Lewis and her band The Licks but before that ‘Execute Tranquility’ is dedicated to the whole of Portsmouth. An appreciative, friendly crowd despite the cold feel of the bare and square so called Pyramid.
Finishing on a high, current single ‘New Epidemic’ is presented with passion.
Damo, Danny, Ollie and Sammy have accomplished their mission.
We need to hear it all over again and often. We need to hear more of this. Clearly we also need to listen to the album and appreciate the finer details that a recording can offer.
If what we heard tonight is anything to go by the MetroRiots are onto a winner and I sincerely hope that 2007 is their year.
Luckily for us the guys are back home to stay and promoting duties mean that they are touring England the whole of May.
Words and Pictures: Florence ACHERY
www.metroriots.com
www.myspace.com/metroriots |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
