The Rooz + The Second Trip + Paradise Circus @ The Rainbow, 30th January 2016
Having covered Hyena an up and coming Shropshire band just before Christmas, playing in the same venue, tonight from that area we have The Rooz. These guys have been to the Brit Awards albeit slightly under-dressed (I stole their joke) and having recently opened for Boyzone to a crowd of 8000 people, so tonight is a big step down in terms of venue and crowd but this time The Rooz headline, and by the way that they went about things you would not have known there were not 8000 fans here.
Outside is is cold, dark and wet. The room is cold, making an intense mood and small numbers for opening act Birmingham based Paradise Circus, followed by The Second Trip, Both acts are made up of young artists but this is the only thing they have in common. Paradise Circus is a three piece pop band with some catchy tunes. They have two singles out currently; Drunk and the most recent Marry Me When I’m Forty – both with catchy hooks.
The Second Trip are described as a mixed genre outfit but they seem to be very much punk, They have some quite enjoyable tunes though it is obvious these guys are fairly new to the scene with much chatter amongst themselves in between songs. They advertised they have them all the tunes available for download for free at their Bandcamp page. This includes their only single to date, 1968, released lasted December.
The crowd grows the night moves along, in time to welcome The Rooz to the stage. The fresh faced four -piece Rock and Roll band keep the average age low making me look super old in the process. Of course with the guys all being twenty and under this is to be expected though what is not to be expected is The Rock and Rock vibe they produced. The innovative, creative and dynamic sound belies their youth, and they deliver a rounded, professional set which was as if they were playing to those 8000 fans rather than the Rainbow.
Front man Louis Coupe has had a slot as a solo act on the TV’s The Voice where he sang and played keyboard/piano to Great Balls Of Fire, getting the judges all up and dancing. This shows the band’s versatility as well as Coupe’s individual ability and skill.
His wacky hairstyle makes him look like a pro metal head adding to his excitable stage presence and he manages to deliver energy and emotion throughout, singing whilst swapping from keyboard to guitar.
The Rooz have a great array of songs already; practically an album line-up, including their latest track Dirty Work. Have a look around YouTube can find a number of different tracks such as acoustics and some fun band life touring video.
Finishing the set they come out to greet the crowd and have a chat with everyone which is always the best bit about the smaller acts. They want to do this and really don’t mind engaging with the audience.
Set List
Violins & Animals
Kings & Queens
Sirens
Melt the Butter
Sixpense
The Eye
Martyr of Me
Out on a Limb
Dirty Work
PS: The Rooz have been nominated in the What’s On Readers Awards for the MIDLANDS BEST LIVE BAND! Check out the news and cast your vote!