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Edgy in Brixton is the debut visual opus from The Fratellis, a band described in their press release as 'purveyors of ice cool indie rock'. Not necessarily true, their live show is far too enjoyable for that. True, like any 'ice cool indie' group, between song banter is kept to a minimum with the band choosing instead to let the music do the talking. However, the songs are infused with a sense of fun and a strong desire to entertain, placing them a cut above their indier than thou rivals.
Their sound, a cross between The Kinks, The White Stripes and Chas 'n Dave has an anthemic, Britpop quality which is ideal for a venue like The Brixton Academy. The inclusion of a three piece horn section and the strict adherence to Costello Music's tight three part vocal harmony makes the music abrasive yet texturally lush at the same time. Many of the set highlights are the songs that feature the horn section such as the rollicking opener Henrietta. Then there is the heartfelt Whistle for the Choir, the greatest terrace anthem since Champagne Supernova and Vince the Lovable Stoner, a song infused with a faux cockney charm which makes you want to Lambeth walk around your living room.
On the down side, the band are somewhat lacking in the stage presence department. The lead singer is a skinny jeaned, Dylanesque sort of fellow who is consistently upstaged by the drummer, a brute in a vest whose energy and aggression is sadly under appreciated by the DVD's producer. Also, although it is true that nobody likes the pretentious, extended guitar jams which some bands resort to live, this DVD would have greater shelf life if the songs deviated a little more from the studio originals. The tunes shoot by in two and three minute bursts which is invigorating at first but after eight or nine tracks, becomes a little predictable.
Extras are a cut above your standard fare. All The Fratellis' promo videos are here, some live footage from last Summer's T in the Park and an extensive interview in which fans get to pose the band whatever questions they want answered. On the whole, this is a good buy. I am certainly a bigger fan than I was before having seen it, however to merit repeat viewings, it probably helps if you have experienced the band live yourself.
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