07 December 2006 (gig)
11 December 2006
With as much groove as you could shake a rhythm stick at, The Reluctants displayed the fruits of months of gigging with a slick, infectious set. The hip-hop groove collective merged hi-energy, funk, soul and rapture with accessibility and a relentless feel good vibe. Spearheaded by a vocal trio, and mainstay of the band, rappers Knowledge and MD neatly wove in and out of the sweet seductive tones of Maiko. Never easy to get the balance right with three singers, but they clearly understand the art of musical seduction. The sense of cool wasn't saved just for the music, with a stylish urban fashion chic as fitting as their uber cool sounds. Maiko bringing the rock chick look firmly into the 21st century.
The three full time members were joined by some of the finest session players in London, and each for the love of music alone - and it showed. Drummer Del's lightning hand speed and unwavering flow was a pure beat fest. Their comfortable presence in both playing and spirit, with tracks including Certified Crazy and Is That What You Want, filled the room in a way that made all feel welcome. You didn't need to be a fan of hip-hop to dig it. Even the rock-heads in the crowd loosened their limbs and moved to the groove.
They began by thanking the house sound engineer and ended by applauding the Buffalo Bar for putting on the show. Polite and warm to the end, they fully deserved their rousing reception. The encore, an impromptu James Brown Sex Machine style thang, closed the show with as much energy as it began. A fitting way to end their live year.
The Reluctants are Knowledge, Maiko and MD.
The session boys were Oli (guitar), Marco (bass) and Del (drums)
For more info visit www.myspace.com/thereluctants or www.the-reluctants.com
Rob Barnett, Music News
