The Family Rain at Sebright Arms

It has been a mere two years since trio The Family Rain started out, yet already they’ve supported the likes of The Courteeners and The Enemy on tour. Here on their own spring tour, the brothers from Bath are at the somewhat humble Sebright Arms in East London promoting their latest single Carnival.

The small pub is discreetly tucked down a quiet alleyway with an underground stage, but is nonetheless highly regarded in the local area for showcasing emerging artists, attracting a friendly scene. At the start of the night muso youths are either gathered in droves at the upstairs bar or outside, enthusiastically discussing new music as they wait for the boys to set up.

One audience member jibes that the three are “keeping it in the family” – an apparent trend on the indie scene, which seems to be working fantastically well for the boys. They have a distinctly similar vibe to fellow family band Kings of Leon, particularly with their late 60s rock ‘n’ roll feel, raw vocals and fuzzy, bluesy guitars. Lead singer and bassist Will Walter’s vocals could very easily be mistaken for Jack White’s, and you would be forgiven for assuming upon first listening that The Family Rain were indeed The White Stripes making a comeback.

Will’s growling and hollering for Trust Me I’m a Genius is met with excitable applause and dancing, as brother Ollie slams the strings of his Fender, all the while appearing effortlessly cool. Carnival, the band’s latest single, is what really rouses the crowd tonight. The opening punchy bass line kicks in and the atmosphere snaps from relatively chilled to musical mayhem, spectators showcasing their wildest dancing, jubilantly shouting along: “I came out to see you, but you just couldn’t find the time”.

Though the gig itself was fairly short-lived, the three Walter brothers proved to be keeping the real spirit of rock ‘n roll alive. Shortly afterwards the crowd flocked to celebrate with the band at the bar: tonight, they came out to see The Family Rain, and they certainly could find the time.

 Verdict: •••

 Gemma Whitfield

For further information about The Family Rain and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Carnival here