Rudimental, tour review: A rich and varied set never more than two minutes away from a colossal drum and bass rush

The Hackney dance band proved themselves a formidable collective, says David Smyth
Confident: Rudimental felt as if they'd never been away
Rex
David Smyth19 October 2015

As Rudimental return with their second album, it feels like the Hackney dance band have never been away.

They’ve toured and toured, in the process becoming a formidable collective of around a dozen role-swapping members and firm festival favourites. How they found time to write new songs is anyone’s guess, yet they sat at No 1 once again last week with a new collection that adds more soul and depth to their party sound.

At this hometown show they were confident enough to ignore new songs that feature soul and funk giants Bobby Womack and George Clinton.

Four lesser known singers, plus a star turn from past member John Newman on early hit Feel the Love, led the band through a rich and varied set that was never more than two minutes away from a colossal drum and bass rush.

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Omnipresent Ed Sheeran’s voice appeared on the relatively relaxed Bloodstream, and Dizzee Rascal rapped on Love Ain’t Just a Word, superimposed on the big screens like the man doing sign language on Sunday morning TV.

The real stars, however, were the brass section, who turned the whooshy electronic dynamics into something warm and organic. Though their new album has yet to produce a real hit, as a live attraction they remain irresistible.

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