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Site updated:
02/02/2008

Rebus EP ‘Red’ Launch Party

If you’ve wanted to go out to enjoy some quality music over the past couple of months, you’ve certainly been spoiled for choice, and the 15 April 06 was no exception. Reading has seen some amazing developments within its music community over the past year with a number of bands enjoying a swell in their fan base and A&R interest. So, with Rebus releasing their new EP 'Red' (the EP name given due to the colour of the EP cover, according to Rebus!) with Heathen Records, is it their time for share of the limelight?

To celebrate the launch of ‘Red’, why not throw a little shindig, and invite the people who have helped Rebus become so popular (their fans of course!) to enjoy the moment with the assistance of ‘Somebody’s Mind’ and the crowd pleasing ‘SixNationState’ as well as some bright red balloons hanging from the ceiling!

Somebody's Mind

Opening the evening were a band I had not seen yet and knew little about, ‘Somebody’s Mind’. Opening the set with an up-tempo beat and thumping riff, the vocalist opened his mouth to sing and suddenly I was watching a 60s throwback in three young men. Their sound is very much that of early Back Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and even The Stone Roses with lashings of reverb on the vocal mix and a very raw guitar sound.

Playing through seven songs including ‘Dark Side of Love’, ‘Now That She’s Looked Into Mind’, ‘Medicine Man’, ‘Lover Not a Fighter’ there were moments of psychedelic madness, pure 60’s indulgence and lots of nodding heads from the members of the audience over the age of 40. By the time they played their fifth song, I was starting to think that they were one trick ponies, but they redeemed themselves by closing their set with the most drugged out psychedelic sound I have heard since Jimmy Hendrix. Their closing number was laden with guitar effects and tempo changes and appeared to please the crowd, whipping them up into a frenzy.

Having listened to their recordings after the gig on their MySpace page, I was a little disappointed. Somebody’s Mind are not really a band that you can get into through your CD player. They are definitely a live act and come across much better on stage in my humble opinion, although they are certainly not an image based band. Their music is that which you get sucked into while watching them deliver their performance. Definitely worth seeing if you ever wanted to know what it was like to live in the time before bands went to rehab clinics (errr…that’s a compliment lads!).

Set:

1. Now She's Looked Into Mine
2. Dark Side Of Love
3. Vibe Out Blues
4. Medicine Man
5. All Planned Out
6. Lover Not A Fighter
7. Dont Go To Thailand

SixNationState

Next up were SixNationState, who appeared to have rather fluffy and very nicely conditioned hair for this party. In fact, one comment I heard was “perhaps they’ve got shampoo and conditioner as part of their advance now they’re signed”. All joking aside, the room quickly filled with SixNationState fans as the boys took to the stage.

Opening this set with ‘Do I Feel The Same’ the toes began to tap, the heads began to nod, and there was the usual crowd participation at the appropriate moments during their songs.

Halfway through ‘Do I Feel The Same’ there was an exclamation over the microphone, “that jacket f*ckin’ smells” which relates to Gerry’s attire. The aroma of Gerry’s jacket is indeed indicative of how much energy SixNationState put into their performances – and we’ll leave it at that. Clearly no advance on the dry cleaning bill then?

With their usual crowd banter, and songs including ‘I Hate The Summer’, ‘Can’t Let Go’ with it’s Notting Hill Carnival-esque opening and their single ‘Keep Dancing’ SixNationState delivered yet another satisfying performance which makes you grin from ear to ear. The band were remarkably restrained during their show which was utterly respectful to Rebus who had supported them over previous weeks at their launch parties. Indicating to the crowd that this was of course Rebus’ night, Gerry proudly stated that everyone should go out and buy the new Rebus EP “or download it like we did”, which seemed to get the laughs.

Playing out their set, the boys performed a new more mellow track which showed off Gerry’s rich vocal tones as well as 1-2-3-4 with their synchronised ‘dance routine’ before heading off towards their final tracks of the evening, climaxing with ‘Fire’ which the band dedicated to Alex of Rebus for having the best hair in Reading…nice!

Rebus

So, what was it all about? Well the final band of course, Rebus. Having seen Rebus perform twice before in support slots, I was looking forward to watching them headline their own party.

Opening their set with ‘Sorry’ the beat was set, the groove was pumping and the fans were euphoric. This was Rebus’ party, and they meant business! Their opening number was energy ridden and they were determined to deliver a stunning show. From the offset, the crowd at the front were dancing, including half of SixNationState setting off the party atmosphere rather nicely. Moving through their set, Rebus performed the songs from their new EP as well as their previous release, swapping the vocal helm throughout.

It was evident that the audience were enjoying Rebus’ performance with chants of “Rebus, Rebus. Rebus” between each song.

Taking a break to thank their fans, Somebody’s Mind, SixNationState, Jim Bowes (sound engineer for the evening) as well as Mike H for his stage management skills, the band were clearly proud and grateful to all who had helped them get to this point in their careers before moving onto their next song, ‘Promises’. Rob Bloomfield’s drumming in ‘Promises’ becomes almost robotic as he delivers thumping beats which seem to carry this song to another level about three quarters of the way through.

Rebus performed ‘Work Song’ before playing their final track of the evening ‘Clone A’ from their previous release. Standing at the back of the room by now, I was able to absorb the full sound, and was absolutely swept away by their final number. It was reminisce of Rage Against The Machine, with a distinct rock and funk edge and huge electronic fusion. This song belongs in a film soundtrack and reminded me of several scenes from the ‘Blade’ films. Clone A seemed much better performed live than on the record, drawing the crowd completely into the whole vibe of the music.

The band’s individual performances were electrifying, and together they are Rebus. This was an almighty climax to a fantastic set which gave you funk, rock, indie pop, a taste of raw emotion and a sense of something big for the future.

More?

Why, of course!

Rebus delivered two more tracks; a ‘short one’ and a ‘weird one’ for Mike H. The crowd were satisfied, the band looked like they enjoyed themselves…what a fab ending to a night of good music.

This was the best performance I have seen from Rebus, mainly because I think they truly believed it, and truly meant it. This was their party, and nothing else mattered for the moment…well, apart from a record deal maybe. If you’ve no idea what I’m talking about - click here and try it for yourself…go on…I dare you to go ‘Red’

Set:

1. Sorry
2. Daylight Fading
3. Panic
4. Eyes
5. New Song
6. Promises
7. Work Song
8. Clone A
9. Join the Library*
10. Girls Aloud track*

* Encores after rapturous applause and cries of “more”

Review by Charley Murray
Copyright Josaka
Date 2006