The Rezillos

Edinburgh pop punk outfit The Rezillos have now been active as a band for an impressive 35 years and all these years later there remains a demand to see these eccentric alt-pop icons. Their album 'Can't Stand the Rezillos' is now considered a classic album of the first wave of British punk yet the setlist tonight consists of a range of music from across their career.

This means the crowd have the opportunity to sing along to the alt hits including '2000 A.D' and 'Out of This World' as the musicians onstage throw themselves around fairly aimlessly yet they still manage to hit all the notes required. Having only released two albums in their whole career, a large majority of the setlist focuses on that classic debut and although it is nearing its 40th birthday, the audience know the tracks well. There is mass singalong for 'Top of the Pops' and the kitschy 'Flying Saucer Attack'. The encore is reserved for one final Scotch bellow-along to 'Someone's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonite'.

Why this band didn't become a sensation in Scotland, rather than just achieve a cult following, is beyond me?
Great songs, with fantastic hook lines, talented musicians and a top front man in Martin Metcalfe.
The show bounded on from start to finish and the capacity crowd at the Barrowlands certainly did their bit to create an electric atmosphere. From the opening salvo of 'Open your Arms' until the closing song 'Now we are Married' their was no let up in the pace. Highlights were aplenty but the exhilarating 'Rattler' was worth the admission fee alone.

Hope the reaction of the public to this tour will make the band a more familiar sight in venues throughout the land. I'll be there next time for sure!