It never ceases to amaze me how much musical talent is concentrated in the United Kingdom. I think it must correlate with the weather or lack of dental hygiene or something. It always seems to hold true, no matter how shitty the musical climate is elsewhere, the UK continues to churn out great music. Among my favorite recent-ish Brit rock outfits are London natives The Rifles. Their 2006 debut “No Love Lost” and sophomore album “The Great Escape” (note the Blur reference) both managed to slip by relatively unnoticed, in the US at least. Though their sound was catchy enough, it didn’t introduce anything new. It was just another snapshot of London life through jingly-jangly guitar melodies and Liam Gallagher-esque vocals. It fit in well with other British rock essentials like Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian and more recent developments like The Vaccines. Their recently released third album “Freedom Run” ought to collect quite the fanbase though. It deserves to at least. It’s far more progressive than their first two albums, bearing much more of an indie-rock edge, whilst still maintaining an element of classicism. As a whole, it’s hooky as hell, utilizing guitars, harmonicas, organs, stomps and handclaps. The pop appeal is much stronger, though lyrics are still rather rough-around-the-edges. The album is very listenable–each track is capable of standing alone as a single. The lyrics are far less school boyish and more reflective. The gleaned pop appeal is definitely a new look for the Rifles but it clings to just enough of the old rough edge and street attitude to keep it from sounding tweenish. The album is really beautifully composed. It’s going to take me a while to get over this one.
Tracklist
1. Dreamer
2. Long Walk Back
3. Sweetest Thing
4. Tangled Up in Love
5.Everline
6. Love Is a Key
7. Falling
8. Interlude
9. Nothing Matters
10. Coming Home
11. I Get Low
12. Little Boy Blue (Human Needs)
13. Cry Baby
