Red Light Company @ Green Templeton College Ball
By: Jonah Rimer
Posted: July 7, 2009 – Oxford, United Kingdom
Based on the article title, you’re probably thinking that a rock band at a "formal" event is a bit of a strange setup. Let me try to give you an idea of the setting: A few hundred grad students in tuxes and gowns are socializing. In the centre of the college is a giant marquee. To the left is a 300-year-old building, a mechanical bull, a burrito stand, and a photography post. To the right are beautiful gardens, cookie decorating, ice cream, and candy floss. Dispersed around the grounds are open bars, a casino, hookah pipes, and a myriad of tables and chairs. The guests have just watched a 13-piece big band and a student cabaret show, and are waiting for the headline act, Red Light Company, to take the stage. The juxtaposition of this setting, informal and formal, old and new, combined with the band’s great talents make for a truly exceptional concert experience.
If you’re reading this in North America, it’s likely that you haven’t heard of Red Light Company…yet. They’ve recently released their first major label record, Fine Fascination, on Columbia records in Europe and Japan, which debuted at number 13 on the UK charts. When asked what they sound like, I’ve been known to say "kind of like The Killers, but with the amp cranked up to 11." However, this description doesn’t do them justice. Their sound is unique and difficult to label, with elements of The Cure, Arcade Fire, and Springsteen-esque bells, all interspersed with booming drums, wonderfully distorted guitar, and boisterous and anthemic vocals.
With its small and unguarded stage, the marquee provided an intimate setting for an overall incredible show. Wearing tighter than tight jeans, the four-piece came on stage and immediately had the crowd jumping, dancing, and singing along; "crying out loud, the weekend is over!" resonated during their newest single "Meccano". Other crowd favourites included "Arts & Crafts", "Scheme Eugene", and a brilliant cover of MIA’s "Paper Planes". Toward the end of the first set, the stage became a cramped mesh of formal clothes as students rushed up to dance with the surprised group, who later announced the experience as a first. With only one album and the keyboard player having to fill in for the current bassist on hiatus, limited material only allowed for a show of just over an hour. But what an hour it was.
Not only are they talented performers and musicians, but Red Light Company are genuinely nice and appreciative guys. After the show they stuck around until the wee hours of the morning, partying and mingling with the ball guests. For thos in North America, although you can’t get it at home right now, try your best to buy it online from UK stores. It's well worth the exchange rate. And if you get a chance to see them live, make sure you don’t miss it. They’re playing a variety of festivals throughout the whole summer. It will be worth every pound, euro, or dollar—whichever currency you happen to be paying.
Video: "Arts & Crafts" by Red Light Company
