China Rats at the Sebright Arms

Leeds four-piece China Rats came together over a mutual love of punk, 50s chart toppers and good old-fashioned British flavoured rock’n’roll. Their songs alternate between big, guitar-led anthems that practically demand an audience to dance to them and sweeter, mellow tracks with smooth vocal harmonies.

Formed in 2011, they were quick to get a lucky break, playing a headline set on the second stage as last minute replacements for Bat for Lashes at the huge Benicassim music festival in Spain. Since then they’ve played at Reading and Leeds in the UK alongside numerous gigs across Europe, and they show no signs of slowing down.

The downstairs stage area at East London’s Sebright Arms is dark, moody and spacious enough to house 150 energetic rock fans, so it’s the perfect place to check out a group that can wow a crowd of thousands. China Rats played a tight set, their unmistakable punk style even rougher and more energetic live. The highlight of the night was N.O.M.O.N.E.Y., lead single from their new EP Don’t Play with Fire (released on 14^th October), and the demanding venue’s indie audience were undoubtedly pleased.

Joe Waits
Photos: Adnan Moe

For further information and future events visit China Rats’ website here.

Watch a live performance of N.O.M.O.N.E.Y. here: