02 May 2012 (gig)
11 May 2012
If there's one thing you can't fault the Lonsdale Boys Club for, it's enthusiasm and the ability to turn almost all of their funk laden, pop/rock tunes into a mass sing-a-long. After an encouraging set by upcoming songstress A.M.E (watch out Alexandra Burke), the London based 'rock band' - boy band for anyone with eyes and ears - hopped onto the stage to kick off the last set of their first headlining tour.
Having already laid ears on the trio (quintet when live) when they supported the Ting Tings on tour back in 2011, I knew what to expect, but for those that didn't - far and few between - it wasn't hard to imagine the kind of sound that may come out of a group of easy-on-the-eye multi-instrumentalists signed to Gary Barlow's record label; enough substance to be notable, killer hooks, and every so often a spark of genius to make you sit up and go [in true Barlow fashion] 'these lot could be massive!'
Unfortunately, that didn't happen often enough. The 45minute set of up-tempo, guitar-lead songs reminiscent of early 'Maroon 5', though with only an ounce of the gusto, felt like it lasted a little too long. However, with mums, dads, and a handful of newly appointed fans from the Olly Murs tour in the audience, I might've been one of the few that noticed.
Infectious anthems like 'Ready To Go', 'Turn the Lights Out', and the soon to be classic 'Hooligans and Hula Girls' were crowd pleasers, but it was the 90s pop riffs of 'Light Me Up' and 'Swings and Roundabouts' that really stuck and could prove to be the band's key sound.
Surprisingly, when front-man Charlie made the chameleon-like transition from fresh-faced pop prince to budding rap star on the somewhat grime inspired 'Sista Shake', it was a show highlight; this being despite the feeling that he'd stepped off the Hollister shop floor and into a Beastie Boys video.
Lashings of tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Katy Perry style, were a mouthful, and the "repeat after me" party trick quickly became tiresome, but be that as it may, there's no denying that these Lonsdale Boys have the capacity to knock out a good tune or two, and with a little more work they could be just what British Pop music needs - if Gary Barlow has anything to do with it, they'll be an airwave staple by the end of the year.
So, excusing the excessive chants, and the vest dressed bass player (who's a bit like Lucas Babin in School of Rock), the Lonsdale Boys Club might be onto something here. If you're in need of a boy band with personality, tunes and a passion that proceeds hair products, join the club.
