The Gin Riots sound like an amalgam of Robert Smith, Shane McGowan and even Arcade Fire – all with a twist of the chirpy ‘en vogue’ sound favoured by young art-rock bands from down old London town.
That such an eclectic mix of influences can be blended into something so coherent and catchy is testament to a talented young band that is surely destined for mass-media exposure.
This really is five-track gem, exhibiting differing moods and combinations of influences. Opener, ‘I Didn’t Mean It’ starts with a traditional pub-rock riff and develops into a good-time, melodic pop-punk classic. ‘The Polka’ uses a Cure-style (Love Cats) bass-line to great effect, infused with a Gogol Bordello folk-punk vocal master-class. ‘Pretty Little Things’ follows in epic, moody Arcade Fire style – a little more rough around the edges, but better for it. ‘The Daily Dust’ utilizes a jazz feel with soft then powerful vocals, whilst the final track, ‘El Torro’ induces visions of The Housemartins having ingested too many ‘E’ additives.
Due to hit the roads of the UK shortly, The Gin Riots are certainly worth checking out.