Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Dexters at The 100 Club

Having saved the legendary 100 Club in 2011, Converse has recently hosted a series of monthly music events with headline acts including Palma Violets, The Vaccines, Enter Shikari and most recently Nina Nesbitt. This month’s headliner is American rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club supported by London’s own indie-rock troupe Dexters.

Following a fast and high-energised set from Spanish band IEPI, Dexters take to the stage. Singer Tom Rowlett has previously said: “People are ready for a band with big tunes and a proper energetic live show. I sincerely believe we are the band that they are waiting for.” He is completely right: their show is full of energy as they bound across the stage to roar through the set. Surprisingly only two years since their formation, the band work well together on stage and in interacting with the audience. 

Start to Run has an impressive guitar part and a sing-along chorus that gets everyone up and moving, but Recover is the highlight of their show: the single makes them sound like an interesting mix of The Vaccines, All the Young and The Strokes. Tonight’s performance shows a band with masses of potential that they will no doubt achieve.

Soon after Dexters leave the stage, the audience are on their feet again for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Originally formed in 1998, the band has gone through six members, released seven albums (the most recent being Specter at the Feast) and have progressed their style from garage rock to noise pop, Americana and post punk, as well as a bit of folk revivalist. However, they have still stayed passionate to rock ‘n’ roll, something they show here tonight. 

Like the acts before them, they are energetic and loud. There is a slight focus on their newest album, but hits from the past are still here: Beat the Devil Tattoo’s from their 2010 album of the same name and Spread Your Love, which induces a mass sing-along from the crowd. However, the surprise highlight is new single Let the Day Begin – a stadium-sized anthem that fills the room and the perfect example to prove BRMC still have it even after 15 years. 

The audience leaves exhausted but with smiles on their faces. As the unchanged surroundings of this iconic venue promised, it has been a great night full of energy and life, evoking wonders of what next month’s acts will be like.

Verdict: ★★★★★

James Alder

For further information about Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and future events visit here.

For further information about Dexters and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Let the Day Begin here: