Red Riders – Northcote Social Club : Gig Reviews
December 3, 2009 by Madeleine Green
Filed under Gig Reviews, Music
On a wet and windy Melbourne night, Sydney indie rock band Red Riders arrived at the Northcote Social Club, fresh off their successful stint as support for the Little Birdy national tour. After fantastic support sets from Brisbane up and comers Last Dinosaurs and The Boat People, Red Riders ascended the stage with the pure intention of delivering one hell of a gig.
After stumbling through a predominantly indie dressed crowd to get a decent spot, the obvious excitement of those punters around me became clear. From the opening track Slide In Next To Me, off their debut album Replica Replica, Red Riders made it clear that we were in for a good night. With everything from screaming girls through to guys singing to each other, demonstrating a sort of bro love reminiscent of that in 2009 film I Love You, Man, it was obvious that this gig had a whole lot more to offer than first imagined.
Playing tracks from their plethora of EP’s along with their latest release, Drown In Colour, the set list was varied and offered up new tracks Tomorrow/Today, You’ve Got A Lot Of Nerve and Feels Like Grace. They satisfied the older fans in the audience by performing more familiar songs from their first album including A.S.P.I.R.I.N, My Love Is Stronger Than Your Love and catchy sing-along crowd favourite, C’mon which had Grigg smiling and laughing from the enthusiastic crowd participation.
Red Riders in Melbourne
In what front man Grigg had described as the “Curly Fringe Tour” due to the lead singers of each band sporting a curly fringe, he also stated that most of their songs were in ‘B minor’ because they were easier to play. Launching into what was to be the crowd favourite of the night, single Ordinary had the audience singing, head bopping and some even dancing along. The energy and experience of the band shone through as they delivered quality songs for an anticipating crowd who clearly adored them, and for good reason.
The overall diversity of the set alongside the obvious success of their releases over the last few years holds this band in high stead. The live experience of Red Riders is enhanced even further by the conversational and charismatic presence of the band themselves, especially Grigg who was happy to inform the audience of possible inspiration and meaning behind the songs heard throughout the set.
Despite the somewhat noticeable omission of successful EP track Call On Me, Red Riders delivered an enjoyable and exciting evening of tunes to the Melbourne audience who were more than satisfied with the performance and who will eagerly await future gigs and releases of this promising and talented four piece.
