Rumble Strips ride high

Charlie Walker and co shine at orchestral album launch

16 July 2009 - The Rumble Strips' new album has an all-star production cast so it was only fitting that they chose to launch their new record somewhere a little special.

Before the gig, frontman Charlie Walker told 6 music that they launched their first album at a BBQ in his front garden.

Opting for a slightly larger venue this time for album number two, they found themselves in the world’s oldest and last surviving grand music venue, Wilton's Music Hall.

This crumbling and atmospheric venue provided a dramatic back drop for the London lads to showcase their more mature and polished sound after a healthy injection of the Ronson effect went into their record.

The producer of the moment made his mark and that was more than apparent, as one quarter of their 38-piece orchestra from the album joined them on stage.

Ronson even popped up, slipping on relatively unnoticed to play piano on a couple of tracks.

As the band raced through a selection of new songs to the gathered sea of checked shirts, it became clear that their usual spirit of joviality had been replaced with something far more serious and urgent.

Charlie's voice echoed through the old hall like a gang of choir boys showing off their impressive vocal range.

Despite the wonderful setting, sadly, Charlie Walker and co were slightly lacking in their usual cheeky enthusiasm

But Ronson wasn't the only noticeable hand on the songs with Last Shadow Puppets and Arcade Fire string arranger Owen Pallett drenching the sound in dramatic, sliding violins.

Take the single Not The Only Person, a clear Pallett inspiration which sees the band toning down their Dexys Midnight Runners brass and soul cover band label in search of something a little more cool and accessible.

London is also a slice of pop splendor and Daniel is delightfully quirky, as the audience are encouraged to join in with mini wind-up music boxes handed out during the build up to the gig.

But despite the wonderful setting, sadly, Charlie Walker and co were slightly lacking in their usual cheeky enthusiasm and on stage playfulness; that was, until their double encore.

They came out twice without the orchestra to play better known numbers such as Alarm Clock from Girls And Weather which saw them back to their usual hook-laden high energy selves.

The band said budget issues meant that the orchestral rumble won't be a permanent fixture on stage with them as they now embark on a string of festival and live dates.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing for them as, while musically it was impressive, they appeared much more comfortable without it.
 
Setlist:

Welcome To The Walk Alone
London
Not The Only Person
Daniel
Douglas
Back Bone
Sweetheart Hooligan
Running On Empty
Dem Girls
Raindrops
Happy Hell


Emily Wither