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The Rifles at Merc Clothing (instore), Carnaby St, London
Gig review and show photos by Music Vice contributor Lauren Towner - September 6, 2009
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Gig/Concert: |
The Rifles at Merc Clothing store |
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Venue: |
Merc Clothing, Soho, London (map) |
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Date: |
28 August 2009 |
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| Headliners: |
The Rifles |
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In one word: |
Jaunty |
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Your say: |
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When I heard that mod rockers The Rifles were playing an intimate homecoming show at Merc Clothing's flagship store on the famous Carnaby Street in Central London I, naturally, had to be there. Carnaby Street in Soho remains the epicenter of all things Mod, and therefore provided the perfect backdrop for the gig.
I arrived when the band's equipment was being set up on the shop floor and normally Merc in-stores are held in the basement so a large audience was inevitable. I was in pole position at the front of the large crowd as the band took to the stage at 6pm and opened with 'The General', but unfortunately due to some technical issues the song didn't sound half as good as it should've done.
'She's Got Standards', from the 2006 debut album No Love Lost, is apparently about commercial music magazines givingnewbands the recognition they deserv, provoked a mass sing-a-long along with 'Robin Hood' and 'Romeo and Julie' where the band encouraged the audience to sing the last verse.
However, their biggest hit single to date 'The Great Escape' went down a storm, quite literally. As frontman Joel Stoker sang about the British weather:
'Take a walk outside in the heavy weather
The British summer time's just great whatever'
A brief torrential downpour occurred and sent some fans running for cover but the majority stayed and it didn't dampen their spirits.
The Rifles gave further evidence tonight that you can be in a successful band and not have any (or very little) media coverage, with this being triumphant return to their hometown. I am eagerly awaiting their third album, along with a growing number of others who are following this band.
© Lauren Towner
Linkage:
The Rifles - www.myspace.com/therifles
