Ruts DC & Freedom Faction at The Waterfront
The best rhythm section to come out of punk is back, and as good as ever.
The Ruts DC & Freedom Faction
Following the death of frontman Malcolm Owen, the surviving Ruts regrouped as Ruts DC and headed in the dub-reggae direction hinted at in some of the Ruts’ material. Now, thirty odd years on, following the passing of guitarist Paul Fox, the rhythm section of Segs and Ruffy are back.
I feared that this could be Punk Rock Cabaret. Boy, did I get that wrong. This was a highly inventive, thoroughly entertaining mix of punk, post-punk, reggae and heavy, heavy dub.
From Mighty Soldier to H Eyes, Segs, Ruffy and guitarist Leigh had this audience eating out of their hands. Great stuff, albeit with some of the worst between song banter I have heard for years. (9/10)
Openers Freedom Faction have a sound based on late 70s/early 80s punk and hardcore, reminiscent of the Dickies and DOA. Energetic and fearsome and thoroughly entertaining despite a lack of originality. (7/10)
