Lights Run Riot, a London based duo, met at University in 2003 and have been writing music together ever since. John Evelyn and Tomas Lane flaunt their adoration of “dynamic rock music” with their EP ‘Warning team’. Currently on the look out for a drummer, it is highly recommended to bag a snoop and get in swiftly.
‘Like Needles in Haystacks’ begins with well-structured and tear-provoking elegance; this transforms itself into a sincerely moving intro. It is akin to the Goo Goo Dolls and hooks glimpses of Feeder’s ‘Just the way I’m feeling’, perfecting a captivating sorrowful-rock recipe which has not been heard enough recently. Edging towards the chorus, it has the appealing taste of the Lost Prophets- ramming the listener into sober thinking. An idyllic female backing vocal provides the invigorating edge of romance that so many tunes fall short of delivering.
Gradually moving away from the soul-grabbing sounds of the former, ‘Rooftop Gymnastics’ brings with it an attractive yet simple melody, accompanied by a spoken suppleness. Not forgetting their intention, Lights Run Riot bring back their pop-rock banter which can only lead to a mammoth future.
Bringing the EP to a regrettable close, it is somewhat disappointing to find ‘Foot High Nettles’-an instrumental. Draped nicely in meditative guitar movements, it desires a meaningful lyric to compliment its jangly percussion and melancholy piano arpeggios.
Demonstrating what is possible at such an early stage, Lights Run Riot are destined for greatness. It is trusted that they will turn up on London’s gig circuit soon; scratching their score into sticky venue floors for a long while to come.
Visit www.myspace.com/lightsrunriot
North London’s Jake Morley has had an unbelievable year and while it is only a year since he decided to throw his guitar onto his lap and put his inventiveness into sixth gear; his performance has come a long way. Building upon his style since first playing in school assemblies, and then gigs in Nottingham to support his Law degree, he is now topping the bill at some of London’s most treasured venues.
As the setup is problematic and wires are changed and tweaked, the slot seems intentionally stalled to keep the audience waiting in anticipation; the reddened ambience and smoky 60’s-esque feel of the Water Rats only heightens the delayed experience. Fifteen minutes pass yet Morley is not frustrated -while touching his head in false anguish, he raises an eyebrow, releases an entertaining chuckle and a deliberate sly grin. At long last, Morley is equipped; he asks the audience to take a seat. “I am Moses”, he instructs cheekily as it is recognized that he might be about to part the seas. Read more
