Posted by Since the release of their second album Young and Dangerous last year 21st century dandies The Struts have been taking their jolly, retro tinged brand of glam rock to the masses. Their seemingly never ending tour has stopped off in the UK, with the Kentish Town Forum the destination on October 16th.
There were two support acts with the most notable being King Nun, a fresh faced group with a lively grunge meets punk sound and an energetic attitude to match. The lead singer was bounding around the stage like tigger, they even indulged in a classic bit of guitar destruction ala The Who.
Opening duo ‘Primadonna Like Me’ and ‘Body Talks’ set the tone perfectly, a riotous night of glammed up rock. The Struts are just as fun live as their studio efforts suggest, with ‘Dirty Sexy Money’ and ‘Tatler Magazine’ going down an absolute treat. Happily they have the stage presence to match their big and bolshy sound, especially frontman Luke Spiller – who got the crowd clapping, chanting, waving and jumping at will. They had the forum eating out of the palms of their hands, with Spiller indulging in a bit of Freddie Mercury-esque call and response to great effect.
Their more exultant tunes were also brought out, with ‘Put Your Money on Me’ and the Springsteen cum Meatloaf of ‘Fire (Part 1)’ whipping everyone up nicely. The biggest was saved till last, with the fire and brimstone of ‘Ashes (Part 2)’ and the anthemic serving of carpe diem ‘Could Have Been Me’ ending the night. They have the art of performing live down to a tee, the many years spent on the road with the likes of the Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones and The Who as well as headlining themselves has paid dividends.
Big riffs, big choruses and charisma by the bucketload; The Struts put on one hell of a show. Glam rock is alive and well.
9/10
Lofty Music and Film 