Why The Rapture aren’t more popular is something of a mystery to me. Their exhilarating mix of rock and dance is both innovative and, more importantly, tremendous fun to listen to, while they have been one of the finest live bands around over the past few years. The New York quartet seemed all set for a major breakthrough last year with the release of their second album, Pieces Of The People We Love, particularly with their wonderful (and, one would have thought, highly commercial) single, ‘Get Myself Into It’, but, alas, mainstream success continues to elude them.
Still, those who are into The Rapture continue to love them, as evidenced by tonight’s sold-out crowd. The band remain, as ever, a thrilling live act. The funky dance rhythms they conjure up (largely attributable to their estimable bassist, Mattie Safer) are almost physically impossible not to dance to, while singer Luke Jenner develops an easy rapport with the audience courtesy of his infectious enthusiasm.
The thumping ‘Sister Saviour’ is a highlight early on, with the crowd joining Safer (the versatile musician is also an occasional vocalist) in hollering the chorus. Cracking takes on ‘The Devil’ and ‘Whoo – Alright! Yeah… Uh Huh’ follow, before the group deliver a typically electrifying ‘House Of Jealous Lovers’, one of the landmark singles of the noughties. Another standout is ‘Heaven’, which features an adventurous mid-song jam, including some sterling saxophone work from Gabriel Andruzzi.
After an uproarious ‘Don Gon Do It’ (one of the best tracks from Pieces Of The People We Love), they close with the melancholy electro ballad ‘Olio’. Still one of the best-kept secrets in rock, The Rapture will surely achieve crossover success yet.