Only way is up for the band that bowled over Elton John
RED Rum Club really are on the upward trajectory and they’ve come in for praise in recent days from music royalty.
Sir Elton John said he’d been “bowled over” by the sound of the Scouse six-piece, saying he was impressed by their latest album Western Approaches while singling out trumpet player Joe Corby and lead singer Fran Doran.
“Western Approaches - it’s absolutely brilliant. But I’m so impressed that you have a trumpet player in the band,” Sir Elton said, during a recent interview with the band on his Rocket Hour radio show and podcast.
“He adds so much to your sound and it’s very unusual for a band to just have a trumpet player. I’m completely bowled over by the sound of your record. And you’re a great singer, by the way.”
They’ve taken influence from The Beatles, Echo & the Bunnymen and Arctic Monkeys, but when you listen to them live it’s impossible not to liken them to The Zutons, another export from their home city. But it’s the signature trumpet solos and brilliant rhythm section which have crafted their Mariachi sound - uplifting, infectious and memorable.
There’s a sense at the packed-out Rescue Rooms on a mild Tuesday evening that they won’t be performing in such intimate venues for much longer. In fact, it’s a real privilege to see such a tight-knit group perform such a masterful show with energy, flare and immense purpose.
It’s evident from the different accents at the bar that people have travelled afar to see them. It’s an evening of shared enjoyment and mutual appreciation, the band thanking the audience for making their own dreams come true.
The set is laden with material from their four albums and there are numerous highlights. Doran’s excellent vocals are showcased in Kids Addicted and the crowd are in full flow for Vanilla.
There are several songs from top-10 album Western Approaches and Undertaker is one of the best. They come back on for the encore and rapturous set-closer Would You Rather Be Lonely?
It brings an end to the penultimate night of the UK leg of the tour and what an evening it’s been, firmly ingrained in the memory book. Their next outing is a sold-out, hometown return at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool before embarking on a jaunt across the US.