Ruts DC – Elvis in The Clouds

Whoever is out there… Whoever is left… We’ve got to look out for each other… If we don’t, who will? The future is already here and it’s not some idealistic future of the past! Over..

Well who’d ‘a’ thunk it, yet again, on a (not so) sunny Saturday in December here we were, Mr. Silverback and EiTC, stomping around West One in anticipation of a solstice spectacular with none other than the magnificent Ruts DC.

We traipsed around the heart of London’s west end reminiscing about and seeing what remains of the London of our youth. We took in the Gibson Garage and looked at the ridiculously overpriced instruments on display there. In all fairness, the staff are very friendly and welcoming. And more than happy to sit you down with the latest Jimmy Page double neck, which was nice and a joy to play. But coming in at a shade under 9K, won’t be adding one of those to the EiTC armoury any time soon… We took in a tray of thali just off Leicester Square for sustenance before strolling north toward tonight’s venue 229.

We ventured inside, to discover a sea of friendly faces being bathed in the sound of The WitchDoktors. A sound which is both well-constructed and deftly delivered. The crowd were enjoying it and the sound inside the venue was comfortingly clear.

A short break and the amazing General Saint took over the stage for a set of tunes from his latest release. We enjoyed a great set delivered with energy, humour and authenticity.

In a flash it was time for Ruts DC.

Ruffy, Segs and Leigh took the stage to a warm welcome and proceeded to deliver a storming Solstice set.

The sound tonight was simply magical in addition to the band being on form, kudos to the sound crew and something about the venue.

Ruts DC served up song after song stunning us into musical submission with apparent ease from the very first note until the very last. Not a single of those notes or beats going to waste.

Talking of notes and beats, the bass was prominent tonight and locked in with both Drum and Guitar. I’ve referred to Ruffy and Segs as the Sly and Robbie of Punk before – tonight, as ever, they reinforced this notion. Not forgetting Mr. Heggarty’s contribution to rhythmic proceedings. Rhytmically they collide tight as a unit!

With the mix being very clear, it was great to have that clarity with the BVs backing up Segs, both Leigh and Dave sounding on form, particularly Mr. Ruffy’s croon-ful harmonising.

A band with such a tight, almost telepathic bond becomes a platform from which to explore subtle changes and improvisations with which tonight’s set was replete.

In between songs Segs was on his best form with banter, both humorous and serious. Reminding us of the bond we all share in a genuine, heartfelt manner. Namechecking familiar faces. And joking with Dave that the set may be a bit long (it was perfect)! And the aforementioned Mr. Ruffy even namechecked EiTC – Cheers Sir! On the subject of bonds we were treated tonight to new number Bound in Blood.

Channeling the mystical powers of the Winter Solstice was like falling off a log for Ruts DC, much to the gratitude of those assembled to witness such finery.

Verdict: Blimey!

Over…

Words: EiTC

Images: Karl Silverback

Pigeon and EiTC photo: Adam Salem

Bonus:

In a cave on a desolate planet beyond the furthest reaches of the known universe something stirs…

Suddenly… beep! FFFSSSHHH!!! Fizz! Pop… Buzzzzz Whirr! 
Holographic AI EiTC (HAIE) materializes into view and begins mumbling to itself…

“S’pose I better wake ‘im up then!” He cranks a lever on the cryogenic capsule which lights up and emits a low humming sound before the glass doors slide open with a smooth low hiss… 
Out steps In Real Life EiTC (IRLE) and the following conversation ensues…
IRLE “What the bleedin’ ‘ells goin’ on?”
HAIE “You told me to wake you up in December for the Ruts DC!”
IRLE “Blimey is that the time already? Put the kettle on then…”
HAIE “Yeah alright!”

The following transcripts may or may not be based on actual events…

Hello EiTC here. So, it’s been a while since I last dusted off the Quill but Ruts DC are in town and that’s always a good enough reason…

In this modern age of technology running wild and self-serving soulless fakers running the show, it’s good to have some link to hope, humanity and humour. Ruts DC provide!

Having made my way back to Earth landing somewhere in the vicinity of Clapham South, the trajectory went downwards, undergroundwards and didn’t come upwards again until the vicinity had changed to Highbury and Islington. From whence minimal footfall ended the journey and entrance was granted…

Up first, The Duel…

The Duel are in a process of continual evolution and the current stage is working very well. There is a good contrast of material from light and dark poppy textures, through to more uptempo punky rockers. With a strong sense of melody infused throughout.

On the subject of textures; there was a tangible textural change when Tara donned her Stratocaster creating a nice contrast to Paul’s Humbuckers.

Their convincing stage presence captured the attention of and continually engaged the rapidly growing crowd

Fab!

Next up Chris Pope…

Chris Pope donned his acoustic guitar and stepped out in front of the crowd like a greatly less disheveled Bob Dylan.

His delivery was strong and well received, the crowd were engaged and enjoying Chris’s set.

Not having any better reference point, at times I was put in mind of both Paul Weller and Billy Bragg.

Good stuff!

On to the show…

Magic…

Nicely warmed up, there was electricity in the air, as the crowd anticipated the main event.

Enter stage left: Ruffy, Segs and Leigh – Boom!

Here we go…

Segs and Leigh were highly animated up front where the whole stage was covered by this pair with their gesticulating, strutting, gurning, rocking brilliance.

Underpinning them at the back, still waters ran deep, as Mr. Ruffy gave a master class in cool precision with even more brilliance.

The set twisted and turned with the contrasts we expect of Ruts DC/Ruts material. A great mix of both old and new with a good number of songs from the most recent album – Counterculture.

The crowd lapped up each last morsel. And seemed to enjoy every moment. It almost felt as though sum of the band and crowd doing their respective thing together was greater than the sum of their constituent parts. And whilst we’re on the subject of the crowd – there was a real sense of camaraderie as they danced and leapt around gleefully in celebration of the band and one another.

At one point, I turned to my left and there was Jona Lewie standing next to me totally absorbed and loving the band – we had a quick chat and were in agreement about the brilliance of Ruts DC

As awesome as ever it should be, Jah War tonight included a dedication to Benjamin Zephaniah.

After a brilliantly psychedelic mid section In A Rut broke down to Dirty Old Town as a mark of respect for the recently departed Shane MacGowan. Blinding!

All too soon it was all Babylon’s Burning and bye…

Eventually returning for an encore, Segs paid tribute to Sinead O’Conner and Geordie from Killing joke. And gave some inspirational words about the state of society and the need for us to look out for each other – People Unite!

Brilliant!

Ruts DC get my vote every time…

The gettings always good but get ‘em anyway! Right now on tour accross the nation – be quick!

https://rutsdc.com/shows

Over…

EiTC

Words and Images Matthew Elvis Brown

Bonus: