Review - Soul Rebels @ Band on the Wall

Combining the age-old tradition of American brass band playing and regal, epic fanfare with dirty drum & bass grooves and hot-blooded funk, soul and rhythm & blues, Soul Rebels got the party going at Band on the Wall. 
 
The catchy, infectious horn licks and vocal refrains were pulled off with incredible ease and style, underpinned by pumping sousaphone bass lines and stonking kit. Each song was tightly arranged, and flowed into one another, each medley unleashing a barrage of energy and finesse, with interweaving melodic lines and orchestral stabs. The ensemble playing was slick, well rehearsed and executed completely from memory. The music was nicely paced, and involved the audience at every twist and turn to such an extent that each build up made you wonder what they were going to do next, and how much further they could take up the level. Especially impressive was when they played florid, sectional material at different dynamics and articulation style to showcase the technical skills of the musicians, making it an educational - as well as recreational - experience. 
 
As well as being pretty good horn players, these guys don't have bad voices either. Interspersing nicely layered vocals with rapping and call & response with the audience, the voices are cleverly integrated into the mix, creating a wonderfully streetwise concoction of brass, percussion and vocals.
 
Altogether an explosive powerhouse of raw energy and a real hit with the audience.