The Rushes take on Islington's Bar Academy
You can tell a lot about a band by they way they present themselves. If they are a bit shaky and nervous as they approach the stage is it likely they will begin the set a little jumpy, before letting their true nature unleashed. Likewise, if they stand strong, head held high and show no fear, their set is likely to be steady, confident and enjoyable from beginning to end; this is what the Rushes set was like.
Formed only two years ago, although two of the band members have been playing together since college, the Rushes gave 110% from the start of the gig to the time they finished. The entire set was energy driven, so much in fact that the facial expression that flooded over Gerard O’Connell were remarkable, not for his sly smiles or cute grin, but for the passion that he obviously has for the music he is creating. He strained his vocals to the point you clench at your stomach as the music punches through your chest and into your heart. He moves as if drowned in music while having that slight Chesney Hawks look about him. This young soul has an incredible voice to match his enthusiastic talent.
The serge of melodic rock and catchy pop hooks created by these lads knocked me for six when I first heard them play. They are strong and play anthemic quality tunes, while also being able to achieve acoustic status and burst through the boundaries set by this stage. For a band that has little material released, this was a packed show with people moving along to music but not actually knowing the words, which made a change. It is great to see so many appreciative people for such an act. The crowd were clapping along, even though they were not encouraged to do so.
I had never heard of the Rushes before going along to this gig, but ever since I have had their track ‘Corners’ spinning round my mind. This is band destined for their songs to be played from huge stages in massive venues to audiences of thousands. The band’s debut album is in the making and I cant wait for the release.