As the titles suggest this is indeed a Razorlight production. Recorded at a gig in October last year at London's Brixton Academy, this is one of their farewell gigs to their debut album Up All Night. The DVD has, as you would expects, many twists and turns. The Extras section is one which is filled with a number of videos of released singles from their first album. Add to this the History section where you watch three previously unseen exclusive clips of the band. Lets first start with the extras section of this DVD.
Videos
The videos in this section cover all of Razorlight's fan favorites from their first album. Tracks such as Rock N Roll Lies, Rip It Up, Stumble and Fall, Golden Touch, Vice, rip it up (2004) and Somewhere Else are here for all to see. (personally I am not one for videos, and I have to say that this little collection are okay but it's the song that keeps the whole thing together and with the selection you have here these guys are never going to fail!)
History
First off is the sound check @ Mean Fiddler in London. This clip is of the band (mainly Johnny) performing Heartbreak Soup.
Next up we have a 'Light gig @ the Bull & Gate, which was held on the 25th May 2004. This was drummer Andy Borrows first gig.
We finish off with another 'Light gig on the roof of the Bricklayers Arms, which was held on the 18th June 2004.
Gig
Having seen Razorlight live before (Reading '05) it brings back memories of seeing Johnny Borrell, with guitar in hand, move effortlessly round the stage, dancing, prancing, between versus. His voice is almost razor like, (no pun intended), it has that rough, ragged, sandpaper touch to it. Currently single " Somewhere Else " holds testimony to this. Razorlight (from my own mind) burst onto the scene with their whirlwind number " Rip It Up " way back in the summer of 2004 (I know it's not that long ago, but for me remembering what a did the other day is a challenge, let alone what I did last year!) . A song which grabbed and shook me, violently! I heard it on the radio one day and thought holy f*ck that was good. Not knowing who they were and what the track title was I immediately threw myself into detective mode, extremely keen to find out more about this band. Debut album Up All Night was an instant hit and rightfully so. Massive songs such as Rock n Roll Lies, Up All Night, Rip It Up, Vice & Golden Touch shot Razorlight into the mainstream of the music highway. Buying a copy I quick and keenly rattled off all tracks on my CD player and lapped up every moment of it!
The gig itself was high octane-d, power driven, adrenalin fuelled, monster filled anthems of brilliance. The track list obviously chosen with care delivered a full blow of well established tracks which linked seamlessly with the next number to produce a constant stream of songs which had the academy bulging with intrigue that keep each and every crowd member hooked on every sound that emanated from a performance that had everything. The capacity crowd were treated to a feast of songs which was kicked started by the opening number of Rip It Up. From then on it was a case of hold on tight and brace for impact as Razorlight, like an uncontrollable wild animal was let loose and ready to cause untold damaged and mayhem where every it went. A previously unheard new track and a B side track where aired in between tracks from the debut album, these being Keep The Right Profile and Just Can't Explain.
Keep The Right Profile is a gem of a track. Fast, hard, aggressive and above all, unanimously solid! The song has that punky edge to it which underlines the roots of the band. Rock on the surface but underneath, a faint yet visible glow of a punk dimension. Keep The Right Profile is the b-side to current single Somewhere Else.
Just Can't Explain is an acoustic number, which shows a sensitive, caring side to Razorlight. The track sees Johnny on guitar, backed up by Drummer Andy on piano. The track has a soothing melody which carries you on a cloud of genteel motion, drifting slowly through the sky. Razorlight's creative side is shown to the full and it's interesting and intriguing to find another dimension to the band.
The Razorlight bandwagon rolled on, mercifully, uncontrollable, relentlessly, feeding an already wild and ecstatic crowd. The big guns were then produced in the sounds of Rock 'n' Roll Lies, Up All Night, Vice and more. These were the chosen ones who's lyrics were echoed around the walls of the venue, and who's sound was carried seamlessly through the air on currents of a throbbing mass below. Golden Touch was performed by a backing choir who added an extra powerful voice as and when required. (You know a band has reached a certain level of success when they have a choir of singers behind them!)
As the evening wore on the the band had accomplished a track list which was so memorable, so dedicated and full of the 'light style. Johnny B was in full flow controlling the proceedings from the front. Acting like the captain of a football team, leading by example. All the hallmarks of a great performance. Professional, clinical, disciplined and full of enthusiasm.
The gig came to end with Stumble and Fall another 'light anthem. The band were sent off with a wall of cheer ringing in their ears. An evening of such magnitude, endeavor and pluck. The band had given their all on a night when each and every Razorlight fan had got their monies worth and sang and jumped along with every note, every lyric, and every word uttered from the mouth of Johnny Borrell. The band performed with energy and desire. A gig that will go down in the history of the Brixton Academy as one of the very best!