After pulling you in with an opening that is pure blues, conjuring a scorching, almost sensual atmosphere, Birmingham four-piece Broken Witt Rebels’ ‘Shake Me Down’ proceeds to do just that. For 3 and a half minutes, we are submerged in the band’s unique brand of classic rock and rollicking American soul.
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Elements of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Kings of Leon’s Matthew Followhill can be heard in James Tranter’s guitar playing, and Danny Core’s expressive vocals are a far cry from your standard indie rock singer; yet while the band clearly draws on American influences, there is very much a sense of Britain’s rich rock history behind them. ‘Shake Me Down’ is also reminiscent of some of The Beatles’ bluesier work – and is it just me, or is there a T. Rex reference in “I wanna be your toy / you call me your little city boy”?
Broken Witt Rebels are clearly on the up – with nationwide tours and a gig supporting The View behind them, and a slot in this summer’s Camden Rocks festival on the horizon, this could certainly be the year they make it big. They’re a band unafraid to do something slightly different with their sound, and this will take them far – keep an eye (and an ear) on them.
Words by Priya Bryant
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