Live Review: Red Light Company at London Scala – 20th May 2009
Okay, so I’m very tired, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. I caught Red Light Company last night at London’s Scala. I caught them last August, when they were good but hadn’t really mastered the art of performing – very insular and, well, no interaction. Last night however was different – more interaction, and a much looser frontman in the shape of Richard Frenneaux who had mastered hecklers, how to look the proper star, and above all how to enjoy himself on stage.
Throwing in the highlights of their first album into the set, along with a new song and an intriguing cover, their 55 minute set whizzed by in an instant at the hot and sweaty Scala.
Their cover version of MIA’s Paper Planes, was, if I’m honest, incredibly bold and not an amazing version, but they seemed to enjoy it, and much of the crowd got behind them for it, which is all that matters I guess.
RLC have definately upped their game on this tour, going from middling indie also-rans to rather good ones to watch.
If you haven’t come across Red Light Company before, you’re missing out. To describe their music as a mixture of Black-Market Music era Placebo, Interpol and Hot Fuss era Killers would be doing them an injustice – they’re more than the sum of their parts, darker and catchier than many bands out there. Have a listen to some free tracks below, and let us know what you think.
These were sent to me by the PR firm dealing with RLC (full disclaimer to try and prevent an over zealous Cease and Desist notice!)
MP3: Red Light Company – Fine Fascination
MP3: Red Light Company – Scheme Eugene
MP3: Red Light Company – With Lights Out
MP3: Red Light Company – Arts And Crafts (School of Seven Bells Remix)
MP3: Red Light Company – Be the One (Ting Tings cover)
After the jump: enjoy some pictures and a video (when I get around to converting it).
Setlist
Westway Lights
With Lights Out / Bahnhof Zoo
Arts & Crafts
Architecht
First We Land
Get in the Way
Scheme Eugene
New Jersey Television
Meccano
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Paper Planes (MIA cover)
When Everyone is Everybody Else
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