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| The Scarlet Division,
Rattle & Hum, Fulham, London |
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| Live,
Richard Young,
20 January 1999 |
Rating: F3
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The Scarlet Division are again hoping to warm themselves to the A+R people at West London’s Rattle and Hum, (formerly the Orange) on this chilly Friday eve, and on the surface of it, they appear to have all the necessary ingredients. They skilfully and methodically run through their line up of chart-friendly tracks, while a gaggle of sweaty teens take to the dance floor in slowly increasing numbers.
One could be cynical and suggest that they are all there just for drummer Jamie (Oliver, of Naked Chef fame), but I don’t think so. Despite the frenetic jiggling, his flamboyant presence is all but hidden by the drum kit. It is vocalist Louise, taller than her four male band-mates, who dominates centre stage. The sound is compact and functional, partly due to the above average PA set-up, but I can’t help feeling the music lacks character. Not unlike a packet of rich tea biscuits; tasty, but now and then you would kill for a bit of chocolate or a fig roll.
I think the Scarlet’s overall image could also do with a bit of a revamp, as they are looking at the moment like the band that got put together for the Grange Hill end-of-term party. A talented bunch, and seemingly dedicated, I am sure they will go far. Personally I won’t be rushing out to buy their music, but then again I have just spent an afternoon listening to a load of crazy experimental cut-ups by John Oswald.
04/02/00
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