Posted on May 18, 2010 - by Emma Stone

The Slackers + Dirty Revolution

Reb Elle © Emma Stone

Moho Live
Manchester, UK
Tuesday 11th May 2010

Sharing stages with the likes of Mustard Plug, The Star Fucking Hipsters and tonight’s headliners The Slackers has done Dirty Revolution the world of good.  Being constantly on tour for the past month has allowed vocalist Reb Elle’s confidence to really shine through, both in her performance and addressing the crowd, so much so that throughout their set, she has the audience firmly in the palm of her hand.  I can’t believe I’d never noticed when seeing them on earlier occasions just how much Reb’s voice sounds just like that of Penetration’s Pauline Murray.

Varying their usual set with a few tracks I’d previously not heard, guitarist Stu White comes into his own and takes on the main vocals on more than one of their songs, not bothering to try adopting the “Cockney Jafaican” accent that some singers sometimes attempt.  ‘Why Should I Care‘, with its Queen Of Hearts inspired lyrics “Off with their heads, they’re all off their heads”, passes accurate comment on the snidey, bitching ways of today’s people.  Their self professed love of ska and reggae appeals to every lad or lass who loves them just as much, throw in their punk style; Dirty Revolution have the balance of genres spot on and manage to get their messages across without sounding too preachy or condescending.

Having only just heard on arrival that Catch-It Kebabs were supporting, it was a disappointment to hear that they had gone A.W.O.L

The Slackers © Emma Stone

and now we were left with no supporting band to pass the time.  However, that simply meant that the legendary Slackers could take to the stage sooner, and for much, much longer.

Looking as though they’d just stepped out of the DeLorean straight from a 1950’s jazz club, The Slackers waste no time setting up and

get themselves onstage to many a cheer.  Their rock steady/reggae tunes immediately have the entire crowd dancing and yelling requests for their favourites.  The infamous Vic Ruggiero plays organs and sings with perfection, his keys taking more of a leading role where others may use them as more of a backing accompaniment.

Joint vocals/trombone player Glen Pine really gets into the swing of things, within the space of a few minutes, he seems to be completely lost in performing the music he loves.  Dedicating ‘My Tragedy’ to Joy Division, presumably a sarcastic action judging the smirking glances that pass through the band, and yet if anything, the crowd seem to agree with their apparent mockery.

Vic Ruggiero © Emma Stone

Asking the audience whether they’d like them to stray away from their set list and perform a ‘Happy Song’ or just stick to whatever’s coming next? ‘Happy Song’ wins by a mile and they obligingly play the upbeat tune that perfectly mimics the mood they’re describing; that one song that will give you that feel-good feeling the second you hear it.  (Which, funnily enough, was playing as the news broke of our new ‘Prime Minister‘ and it really did soften the blow!)

Though they seem to have been playing for an age, they still play with the same youthful excitement and energy as though it was only their first show and they finish off the night with crowd favourite and much requested “Have The Time”.  This being the first time I see the Slackers, I’m already counting down the days until their main stage slot at this year’s Rebellion Festival in August!