Robbers on High Street with The Redwalls - Southpaw (Brooklyn) - Saturday, June 30, 2007

by Rachel Pesin
18 July 2007

Chicago’s THE REDWALLS and New York’s ROBBERS ON HIGH STREET are two dissimilar sounding bands that I really like. I never expected them to play together, so seeing them on the same bill was a welcome surprise.

The Redwalls’ throwback sound invites a varied audience, if the crowd at this show was any indication. Young girls, frat boys, and even some over-40 year olds were enjoying their set as if they were actually witnessing a band playing a concert in the 1960s/70s. And it’s not hard to see why.

The band not only sound like a more R&B, soulful ROLLING STONES but dress that way too. Though their music may sound familiar, The Redwalls don’t just recycle the music that influences them. They’re aware that they live in the new millennium and they keep their music sounding fresh so as not to be written off simply as a retro band.

Robbers on High Street remind me a lot of my favorite band, SPOON. They play fun, mellow pop and have smart (if not sometimes bizarre) lyrics sung by singer BEN TROKAN, who sounds like he has a bit of a cold.

ROHS’ live performance is always enjoyable. I’ve seen them a few times before and they always play a strong set. On this night, both new and old songs sounded great. Sure, they’re not a raucous band, but they’re also far from restrained. Their laid back pop is perfect for anyone who wants to have a relaxed night out with their perfectly pleasant music.

Filed under concerts indie-rock