FEEL the Love was the song of summer 2012.
It was endlessly played during The Queen’s Jubilee street parties. It was the song chosen for the London Olympics montages. Arguably it was the song of 2012 in its entirety; the year when everyone was feeling a little more patriotic.
With its infectious Kumbaya-esque happy hook over an exhilarant drum and bass beat, Feel the Love catapulted to No.1 and launched Rudimental, four young boys from Hackney, London, as electronic hit-makers.
It was a case of mosh, crowd-surf or get the hell out the way as the bass became progressively thunderous. Always keen to get involved, screaming a long to More Than Anything, squashed between two large men who had by this point removed their soaked T-shirts, I experienced what could only really be explained as sweaty euphoria
The celebration of Rudimental’s success continued for the final performance of their UK tour at the Manchester Academy this week. This time the boys were rejoicing the week’s big news, Rudimental scored another No. 1 with their debut album, Home.
Synonymous with the rave and club scene, the Jungle and UK garage inspired electronic creators led an uninhibited performance that encouraged an uninhibited crowd.
Pacing the stage with a Jack-the Lad strut, the groups hype-man, DJ Locksmith stayed front centre, to ensure that the crowd stayed peaked at manic.
“We are Rudimental and we’re here to do whatever we want,” he bellowed.
Preferring to take sips of wine to water, DJ Locksmith was intent on starting a party.
It was a case of mosh, crowd-surf or get the hell out the way as the bass became progressively thunderous. Always keen to get involved, screaming a long to More Than Anything, squashed between two large men who had by this point removed their soaked T-shirts, I experienced what could only really be explained as sweaty euphoria.
Rudimental
Rudimental really know how to write a good hook, as much as they are skilled at creating climatic bass drops that make you want to jump around all primitive-like and potentially lose your shoes.
Energy and temperature levels soared during a rendition of Not Giving In, featuring guest vocalist, John Newman, the husky toned singer that features on Rudimental’s biggest hit.
Clearly elated with the affiliated acclaim he’s received, John in his support performance described this week as one of the best of his life.
Along with John Newman, ‘Home’, gave a platform to talented vocalists including rapidly upcoming producer and songwriter MNEK, hip-hop’s girl of the moment Angel Haze and of course, Britain’s best loved songstress of the Olympics, Emeli Sandé .
It was to be expected that Miss Sandé who is touring the US right now wouldn't be there, yet Sandé’s presence wasn’t missed.
In her place, Ella Eyre, singer on track popular track Waiting All Night, was given a well-deserved spotlight. Eyre performed with soulful passion and a feisty energy that I expect could sign-post her as a contender for future fame.
As was the smouldering Sinead Harnett, the featured vocalist on songs Baby and Hide, whose sweet, song-bird voice nicely juxtaposed with Rudimental’s powerful, speed demon BPM.
Often described as Drum and Bass purists, Rudimental’s take on live music is modern and fresh. It was a collaboration of drums, an electric guitar, a skilled trumpeter and DJS - they even brought back the ‘wah wah’ pedal. Hard to expect anything less from Rudimental, they are largely experimental, as detailed with their first single, Spoons - a hit conjured from a spontaneous mess about with well, two spoons.
Rudimental have got the all important sign of approval from tastemakers Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and DJ Target and there’s an element of pride watching a home-grown talent do so good.
Returning back to the stage for an encore to rapturous applause, you could sense how appreciative the guys were from the fantastic reception.
On the final bow DJ Locksmith addressed the crowd for a final time,
“We are Rudimental and we’re here to give you our heart and f****** soul.”
That's exactly what it felt they had done.
Rudimental's No.1 album, Home, is available now.
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