ALBUM REVIEW: The Rifles ‘None The Wiser’

Oasis’ memorable lyric “you gotta make it happen” was certainly noted by four  lads from Chingford known The Rifles. The Rifles draw influence from, in their own words “Bob Dylan, Talking Heads, some Clash, The Jam as well as music from the famous 90s Britpop era and of course – The Beatles”. To mesh all of these into one album would seem a thankless task, but with ‘None The Wiser’ (released on 20 Jan) they’ve evidently made that happen and with it, pulled it off.

The album sets off with a bang with ‘Minute Mile’ and it’s catchy riff filling it’s 3 and a half minutes. ‘Heebie Jeebies’ follows with their trademark Mod roots shining through and this is proceeded with highlights of a 60s soul summer sound and the heart felt lyrics in ‘All I Need’ which really pulls at the heartstrings. This is contrasted with the subtle American folk twang in ‘Electric Eccentric’, the mere sound of harmonicas in the background definitely adding a nice diversity to the album throughout.

‘Catch Her In The Rye’ has an essence of The Jam throughout it’s 4 minutes, with more passionate lyrics on show. Luring in the female fans, boys? Either way, this number will be one to get the crowd going at their already rowdy gigs. ‘You Win Some’ and ‘Shoot From The Hip’ are further stompers which will appease The Rifles hard core followers whilst ‘Go Lucky’ and ‘the Hardest Place To Find Me’ are steady away. Recent single ‘Minute Mile’ is a definite stand out brimmed with indie pop greatness and will be certain to get the sticky dance floors in indie clubs full. The album ends with the highlight of the album, ‘Under and Over’ capturing the band’s ebullient spirit. This is a track which will soar into the hearts of the drunken, beer soaked crowd, soon no doubt becoming an anthem and a track which will surely be a mainstay in the set of the forthcoming Rifles live tour.

Followong on from previous belting album ‘Freedom Run’, the bands have packed a further punch with this effort. It’s not the most ground breaking thing you’ll hear but it’s another solid album full of Rifles trademark goodness.

Deanna Barlow

Deanna Barlow

Deanna Barlow

Deanna Barlow

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