Almost exactly a year ago, I was recommended by a friend to check out Eight Rounds Rapid who, I was assured, were unsung heroes and a hidden gem in amongst the ever growing crop of British guitar bands. I took his advice and have been hooked ever since by their unique style of punk, R&B fusion.
With a buzz in the air for the band's first London gig of the year, the four-piece take the stage decked out in black suits and ties looking slick and slightly menacing until poker faced vocalist Dave Alexander announces dead pan, ‘Good evening, we’re Eight Rounds Rapid from Southend-On-Sea’.
They launch straight into a double whammy from the brilliant lp, 'Objet D'Art'. Both tracks, 'Bully Boy' and 'String Theory' highlight the telepathic interplay between the chopping guitar and plucking bass which characterises the band's sound along with the strained, high-pitched squall of lead vocalist, Dave Alexander. We then go more rock 'n' roll, with 'My Mate', a great tune that never fails to put a smile on the face thanks to Alexander's mercurial ability to pen ironic and inspired lyrics about life's peculiarities.
We're then treated to some Eight Rounds Rapid classics especially 'Ratton', crowd favourite 'Steve' and 'Like It' giving licence to lead guitarist Simon Johnson, to magic up an unbelievable array of riffs and sounds without the use of any effects. The high-tempo continues with the punky 'Kicks' and with the crowd on a high the curtain comes down fittingly with the rabble rousing 'Drink'.
It’s another fantastic set from a band who both fascinate and delight me. Go check them out live and you too will be hooked!
To keep yourself up to date with band news, gigs etc go to
www.eightroundsrapid.com.
