Issue 33 / May 2013

12
Bido Lito! May 2013
out, the melodies and stuff, it creates quite a poppy sound.” And
here lies the beauty of Soho Riots: while their music may not be
revolutionary, it is mercilessly infectious, gloriously accessible on
record and in a live setting.
Speaking of which, the band’s first taste of playing live came at
their Band Society’s live night at Baa Bar, which Andrew admits was
more like an “open practice session. We didn’t get a soundcheck,
so it was a bit crazy!” But, even then, there were glimpses of
potential and, after a positive response from the crowd, the
band have been playing shows relentlessly. Andrew appreciates
that Liverpool’s bustling live scene has been a huge advantage
in allowing them to not just develop their performances, but to
expand their experience as well, “There are so many good venues
with great nights on, so there is loads for us to get involved in.”
During their sets, the band retain a sense of control, playing
with a strong focus while savouring every minute. Highlights so
far have been supporting up-and-coming acts The 1975 and JAWS.
Both proved to be success stories, and rightly so - their music
is destined to excel in live performances. The Shipping Forecast,
venue of choice for show with The 1975, was left stunned as
the energy of the music swept across the crowd, resulting in a
rapturous response reserved for Soho Riots over the headliners.
After considerable debate, the band decided to release a
fully recorded version of previous demo I Only Want To Talk
at
the end of April, packaged with further new recordings of their
previous demo sessions. Andrew is confident that the new single
is an accurate representation of what the band have achieved
so far, losing none of the track’s early raw energy. It’s arguably
their finest moment to date, with a build-up that fits perfectly
with encouraging a crowd to respond - something that’s quickly
becoming the Soho Riots mantra.
With the single released, Soho Riots will launch their next
phase: fighting tooth and nail in the real world. With exams coming
up in May, the band will take a summer hiatus before regrouping
in September. Andrew will be spending five weeks travelling
across Vietnam, which seems an extravagant PR strategy, but he
hopes the trip will broaden his musical perspective. “I put my own
personal experiences into song-writing. I believe the more of the
LESSONS IN GUITAR POP
world you see, the more interesting songs you write!”
Despite his upcoming adventures in South-east Asia, Andrew
sounds eager for September to come. The success of Soho
Riots has been as a result of undoubted ability, true, but also
PERFECTION WITH SOHO RIOTS
of the band having
an agenda and,
with their plans for
later this year, this
Words: Jack Graysmark / @ZeppelinG1993
Tom Kelly, and they all come from similar courses at the University looks set to continue. They’ll be focusing on new material,
Photography: Keith Ainsworth / arkimages.co.uk
of Liverpool. Surprisingly, Andrew is glad that they took their time new promotions - they haven’t even begun tapping in to the
to come together: “I had a lot of song ideas by then, so we were marketing possibilities of a band member called Harry Potter –
Outside the lecture rooms and away from the study sessions,
able to get the ball rolling straight away.”
and, most importantly, new places. So far they’ve only ventured
university is a time where an abundance of opportunities urge
This is evident on the band’s demos, which sound like outside Liverpool to Manchester, but the band plan to get on a
you to try something new. In their final year, SOHO RIOTS have they’ve been tailored over time. Strained and vulnerable
tour bus and play as much of the UK as possible, getting the
taken this as gospel, throwing themselves into the Liverpool live vocals on Who’s Your Man? burst through blistering guitars:
words “Soho Riots” on everyone’s lips.
scene with a passion that reflects their musical style. In the few a beacon for anyone who’s been unsure of where they stand
And so ends the first lesson. With a blossoming live reputation
months they’ve been together, this group of friends have risen in a relationship. On I Only Want To Talk, the band seamlessly
and their first proper release, it’ll be shocking if Soho Riots
to the top of the student band landfill, armed with an arsenal transform from a delicate melody into a frenzied assault, full
struggle outside their regular stomping ground. I’m hoping we
of tracks jam-packed full of raw energy, determined to leave an of determination and spirit. The UK’s answer to Real Estate,
don’t have to fight to get them back. Having balanced the band
impression - and that’s exactly what they are doing.
the band’s melodies also evoke comparisons to Wolf Parade
with university life, this group of guitar-pop melodeers have
When I meet frontman Andrew Woodhouse (Lead Vocals, and The National. But, beneath the scuzzy indie pop, there is a
the real potential to expand their horizons far beyond the Band
Rhythm Guitar), his tone carries a sense of gusto, pleased with touch of true craftsmanship, a sense of control.
Society rehearsal room. Clearly, education has not been lost on
what Soho Riots have achieved to date and excited by their
When I ask Andrew about the band being labelled as indie
these lads; if anything, they’re setting the standards for other
future prospects. Having pondered the idea of starting the band
pop, he laughs. “We always get called indie, and it’s what I always
hopefuls to follow.
since his first year at university, the arrival of drummer KT last
listened to when I was growing up, so I guess it makes sense.
November finally sparked the ignition. The line-up also includes
But I don’t think you can take anything away from that. I think
Soho Riots’ debut single I Only Want To Talk
is out now.
Harry Potter on lead guitar (no really, that is his name) and bassist
we’ve got broader influences, but I suppose the way it comes
facebook.com/sohoriotsband
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