No Love Lost
If seeing Oasis at Knebworth was the reason for throwing these mod/rockers together then Noel Gallagher we solute you. The rifles have attacked the production of they're debut album in a similar way they perform in a live environment. Those that have been lucky enough to have caught them on their whistle stop tour of small clubs and record shops will agree. This album plays like an eleven stop ride through London’s underground on a busy Saturday night.
Opening track boasting lyrics, “down south, top ten in her mouth” shows the sort of confidence these lads have recorded with. “She got standards”, a single from the debut makes a great opener for the album and definitely starts things as they mean to go on. “Local Boy” another release from the album continues to help this album pick up speed into “One night stand”. A two step head nodder and one of the quirkiest tunes on the album. Being told, “she has a face to die for, but nothing going on inside” appears to be telling us a tale of someone's addiction to one night stands, with cheeky well written lyrics and an infectious chorus will surely make this one a favourite amongst the following. The happy toe tapping is soon put in its place by the moody tones of “Home to blues” a much grittier perhaps, more meaningful tune on the album and very much represents a sound from the alley ways and avenues found in the darker side of London. If there was ever a tune to have on your ipod that could describe a drunken brawl outside a grotty boozer this is the one.
“Peace and quiet” is definitely another highlight of the album. One of the best to come from a London band telling tales of troublesome relations in the city and will I'm sure, lead to The Rifles being placed in sentences along side The Jam and The Clash in time to come. A small breather from the rifles attack comes in the form of “Spend a lifetime”, a well penned acoustic breather telling tales of embarrassing tongue tied silences and practised lines coming out all wrong. Another side to The Rifles which I'm sure has just as much to offer. The cheeky London savvies lighten things up again with “Robin Hood” (perhaps titled after guitarist Luke’s union jack patched trillbee hat) before going into a ghost town like “She the only one”. This is an album that goes from strength to strength with tunes like “Repeated offender” and “When I'm alone” still reminding us that this is a London band worth digging out the Harrington jacket from the back of the cupboard for.
Closing with “Narrow minded social club” this is an album that will provide football away day anthems for years to come. Keep up the good work boys.
by Neil
