Review of:

“Red Star Rebels”

At: The Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard

On: Friday 29/12/06

By: Gaby

When your average rock punter goes travelling in search of a great new band it often become something of a quest for the holy grail and often disappointment follows but on the night of Friday 29^th of December I believe I found it, in of all places The Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard and it comes in the form of “Red Star Rebels”!

The time of the great British Rock Band and the future of Rock takes it’s shape in this absolutely brilliant 5 piece band who delivered one hell of a jaw dropping performance of sheer magnificence, playing all original material (except for 2 well performed covers).

Now it’s one thing to come across a good covers or tribute band and it’s a whole different ball game when you see a band not frightened or put off by delivering a set of original material that few if any in attendance have heard of, but the sheer craftsmanship of lyrics, catchy riffs, visual interpretation and musicianship sets this band far apart from all the rest on the current circuit and quite rightly blows the lid off whatever else is currently doing the rounds.

Their original material was a treat to the ear being both highly melodic with some beautiful harmonies as well as powerful and emotive lyrics that were exceptionally catchy and crowd pleasing.

In fact their whole set was electrifying with a fabulous stage presence and performance backed up by a sound that put the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention like proud soldiers ready to do battle whilst at the same time putting goose bumps on your goose bumps!

It’s at this point that I would normally try and describe what their music was like but I hardly think it’s fair to try and draw comparison with any other band. In fact I can’t. Their look, feel, music and sound is unique, different and very special indeed.

From the start their charismatic lead singer Blackie led proceedings with a class, style, penchant and attitude that I have not seen for many a year, delivering one hell of a belting set of vocals that told you from the off that you had landed in rock nirvana.

Twin axeman Jonny & Meady gave the all important guitar crunch with a mesmerising set of flawless, innovative guitar licks and catchy riffs whilst on bass Dazzle gave an excellent performance which kept things flowing nice and steady with the low notes driving the performance along together with the sumptuous belly beating, blood curdling beats provided so skilfully and effortlessly by Steve in the engine room of his drum kit.

Sound was fantastic filling our small environment with every note beat and tone that had everyone on their feat and going wild with sheer musical delight at the exceptional quality and class of this band.

At this point I also need to make mention of Jonny’s terrific solo performance of three lush ballads and accompanying harmonica on one of them – a midway treat if ever there was one!

If there is any justice in this crazy world of ours then this band should be signed up quick and fast with a record deal. It’s what the great British Rock Public have been waiting for for far too long! Get the CD in the shops and I’ll be the first in the queue!

For me this band had everything and more and for once I felt truly gifted that I had the chance to see them in the small and very cosy setting of a pub and not the arena and stadiums of this world where this band must surly belong.

This is a world class act and one that you should not hesitate to go and see. So for myself; well, you better get your wild horses ready cause your gonna need a lot of them to try and stop me from seeing this great band again and again!

“Red Star Rebels” get my vote as band of the year and one of the very best bands I’ve ever seen for many years. See them soon or you will definitely regret it!