Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

With a band on stage who were listed as one of the Sounds of 2007 in a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ poll, performing upbeat indie tracks to a sell-out crowd, you might be forgiven for forgetting that you're in a Devon market town.

But that is exactly what was happening at The Wharf in Tavistock, with the homecoming gig for some Tavistock lads who are on the brink of hitting the big time.

The Rumble Strips' performance proved why they have been getting so much attention.

Emily with drummer Matt Wheeler

The band gave it their all – in fact, lead singer Charlie gave it so much that he broke several guitar strings, but that didn't stop them performing with a zeal and passion for their songs which is infectious.

With Henry on trumpet and Tom on sax, and relatively new addition to the band Sam Mansbridge hitting the rumble-drum in the middle of the stage, you get not only great music at a Rumble Strips gig, but also a great show.

The forthcoming single Girls And Boys in Love went down a storm, and previous releases Motorcycle and Alarm Clock got everyone dancing around.

However, the highlight of the set had to be the brilliantly apt cover of The Boys Are Back In Town, dedicated by Charlie to his mum and dad.

Charlie Waller

The crowd varied from friends and family to old school teachers, fans and locals who had just heard of The Rumble Strips and wanted to see what they were about.

But everyone had one thing in common - a real excitement about getting to see a local band who are really going somewhere.

Having their name cut out of cardboard and strung on a piece of rope at the back of the stage summed up the bands' down to earth and unpretentious attitude.

Because of that, their music is accessible, welcoming and instantly listenable, and should set them up for a great response to their nationwide tour.

As Matt the drummer explained, the band philosophy is simply to have fun. They seem to be doing pretty well with that so far, and seeing them live, it's difficult not to have fun with them.

The Rumble Strips
Tavistock Wharf
14 August 2007