If Rudimental win any of the three Brit Awards for which they are nominated on Wednesday, viewers will surely fail to recognise these chart-topping dance producers who employ a roster of guest vocalists.
So it was surprising to find this core Rudimental quartet in the thick of the action at the first of three sold-out Brixton shows. Leon Rolle whipped up the crowd, Amir Amor brandished his guitar, and Piers Agget emerged from behind his keyboard to flail to the tunes.
The Hackney group’s hit debut has propelled several vocalists into solo careers, which meant they weren’t available for this performance. Fortunately, the extended Rudimental family pulled together for a frenetic and uplifting neo-soul revue.
Rolle spurred on singer and karate champion Anne-Marie, who roamed the stage and wailed over clattering beats on Right Here. Yet for all Rudimental’s energy, the music was mellow enough to draw middle-aged couples in search of a latter-day Soul II Soul. And despite its moody drum & bass influence, Not Giving In had a feel-good vibe.
Feel the Love got fans trying to sing along to a trumpet solo, Lianne La Havas popped up on a slinky, soulful encore, and Waiting All Night provided a frantic finale. Rudimental’s Brixton party has just got started.
Tonight and tomorrow, sold out (0844 477 2000, o2academybrixton.co.uk)
