The Rills, The Deaf Institute, 10th November 2021

You could write what I know about The Rills on a postage stamp, but hey that’s the joy in discovering new bands. There’s 3 of them, they remind me of Supergrass. This is probably due to their video for ‘Stardog’ that has them dancing around in matching coats that make them look like a crack team of greengrocers. I’m delighted to say they perform in said apparel too and in a brave move kick off with Stardog, which instantly gets Deaf bouncing. I’m lifting the average age of the crowd in here considerably and I’m knackered, so I leave the kids to bounce down the front. I’m tempted though, they’re a lot of fun. All smiles and catchy hooks, as the drummer absolutely batters the kit. Seriously he’s a fucking monster and makes everything sound massive. The Supergrass comparison is a bit off though. They are a bit indiepop, but with a definite punk edge. Angular riffs, rolling basslines and those thunderous drums. It’s lively with plenty of simple singalong moments, “we like to do it differently”. Manchester agrees and the enthusiasm seems to take The Rills by surprise. A pleasant surprise I’m sure, that they feed off as things get faster and faster. I don’t think it’s a disservice to say everything’s built off the drums. I don’t often give drummers credit, but this lad puts a shift in and is brilliant. They all are though and bang, after just over half an hour they’re done. Short, sharp, fucking ace.