(live demo)
Many bands pride themselves on being pretentious and arrogant. Not so new London-based rock 'n' rollers Rising Sun. They may be doing the rock 'n' roll thang, but they do it with a refreshingly retro style, and while the lads who comprise the band all sound to be supremely talented musicians, they don't sound to be obnoxiously cocky about such a fact.
Though they haven't actually released a proper studio-recorded demo as-yet, they have recorded a live 6-song demo from the sound-desk at one of their gigs, and the quality of the recording is such that you can hear what this band is about, especially as 'Set The Standard' gallantly breaks in with a classic Hendrix-styled guitar riff that wails away and sounds so so thrilling that Jimi himself could be playing it. Backed by a solid beat and a garage rock 'n' roll vibe, animated frontman Nathan Lusher does the singing about 'setting standards,' with this tune - above all else - being a perfect example to set to the best of the rest of the countless garage rock 'n' roll bands currently doing the rounds.
Flanked by a supremely talented rhythm section, with Pete Masters on drums and Laura Elliff on bass, there's something about Rising Sun that stands-out and that does genuinely sound to herald the second dawn of truly fantastic, Brit-Rock 'n' Roll music. The vocals are gutsy, all of Dan Hall's breathtaking guitar breaks are bold and funky - and throughout Rising Sun naturally inhabit the zest and swagger of The Rolling Stones with such relish that Mick and his boys could do worse than book these lads for a support slot or five.
Four tracks into their set, and hell - the spirit of The Doors' is knocking loud and clear, the lusty cock-rock nature of 'The Path You Choose' hearing Nathan losing himself in the certainty that whoever he's fawning over sure is 'A lady' - and 'She's so fine!'
It's not rocket science that they sing about; Rising Sun's songs are good old fashioned, raw-and-ready rockers, with the anthemic 'Give Me Something' and coolness of 'Get On It' further fighting their case.
So, on account of these upbeat and catchy tunes, Rising Sun's landing gear is most definitely up.
(Steve Rudd)
For more info please ring Dan on 07881 575444 or E-mail... [email protected]