Rx Bandits + Astpai @ Nottingham Rock City – January 30th 2014

Astpai‘s set tonight is 30 minutes of straight up punk rock. They are very reminiscent of The Flatliners, with gruff vocals and melodic guitar. The set goes by in a flash with the band winning over the majority of the venue quite quickly.

After a 45-minute changeover, it’s finally time for Rx Bandits who launch straight into “Sell You Beautiful” marking the start of their 2006 record “The Resignation” which is being played in full tonight.

The band who have been a more rock-oriented, four-piece are tonight joined by a horn section to bring out the ska influence from album. The songs tonight sound big and technically perfect with the band being very tight live.

Not a note is missed between the band, but it is renowned drummer Chris Tsagakis who really shines, going through a full body workout as he plays the songs which fluctuate between time signatures every few seconds.

Songs like “Mastering the List” and “Newsstand Rock” go down well with the crowd who sing along loudly. Singer Matt Embree hops into the crowd at one point to sing and then gets back on stage looking happier than ever. It’s clear the band are in their element tonight.

“Descrendo” finally comes around bringing with it a massive singalong and jam session at the end where the band get one last chance to shine, this time the guitars at the forefront. The set, and album, ends with Embree thanking the crowd and informing them of a new record coming out in the summer.

Everyone sticks around in the hope of an encore but sadly the extended changeover means they are past curfew. For those who have been listening to “The Resignation” for a long time now, tonight has been a very, very special night and it definitely isn’t a tour to miss.

Review – Max Qayyum
Photos – Steve Kilmister

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