The Rifles and guests live review

On Friday I went to see The Rifles do an acoustic set at Gorilla after the release of their unplugged album. I'd first seen them at The Academy in 2016 after lead singer of The Subways, Billy Lunn, recommended them to me and I couldn't wait to see them again after the phenomenal performance they delivered!

Man & The Echo

Their support band, Man and the Echo, performed their own original poppy tunes that certainly got the crowds' feet tapping! Going between racing rhythms and slow, calmer melodies, keeping the set interesting throughout. Their clear, powerful voices filled the room, drawing people closer to the front and building a fantastic atmosphere.  I have no doubt that touring with The Rifles with build and expand their following.

The Rifles (Or is it Oasis?)

Roars and cheers erupted from the crowd as The Rifles emerged onto the stage- looking very like an Oasis reunion. Playing tracks from a range of albums including fan favourites, 'Local Boy' and 'Minute Mile', they didn't disappoint as the audience sang along devotedly to each and every word. Despite it only being an acoustic set, The Rifles still produced an energetic, driving sound that emanated from the stage and intoxicated the crowd. The atmosphere created was amplified by the genuine warmth and good-natured boisterousness of a Manchester audience, inevitably affirming  their hometown by chanting the word 'Manchester' (in case we had forgotten!) I could tell from the very first chord that this was going to be a participatory performance as the crowd sung every, harmony, backing vocal and instrumental as if we were an extension of The Rifles- in the same way a pub or street spontaneously begin a rendition of 'Wonderwall'. The crowd could have gone on all night-trying and succeeding to carry on singing 'Romeo and Julie', forcing The Rifles to join in with us! As well chanting the city, the audience gave a special shout out to keyboardist, Dean, who I suddenly realised had uncanny resemblance to my good friend, Clint Boon.

Dean Mumford

This was a celebration of the fantastic musicianship of the band and their distinctive, unique sound that gets better with every listen. It's great to see a band with such an wide demographic of several generations, from those who were teenagers in the early years of The Jam, right to the 14 year old stood next to me (I'm not the youngest at gigs anymore- little bit offended). 5 albums in and they still sound fresh and exciting with great promise- it's such a shame that they don't get the media coverage they truly deserve. I must say, if it wasn't for Billy Lunn, I wouldn't have known who The Rifles were or to experience their amazing live shows. If, by some bizarre chance, you haven't heard The Rifles, I suggest you get hold of a CD and come and see them live!