The Soul Rebels at Brooklyn Bowl

It is rare in the city of indie music and skinny jeans to find a show with the soul of New Orleans. Innocuously nestled amid the Nandos and Starbucks of the O2 Arena is Brooklyn Bowl, the London branch of a good ole’ American franchise, the perfect venue for The Soul Rebel’s brand of authentic USA soul. They are a group with genuine funk, a real and palpable chemistry that translates both on stage and through their music.

To draw a decent crowd on a Tuesday evening in London, approximately 500 yards away from Drake’s O2 Arena show is no mean feat, but to then get them dancing is something else. From what started as a stiff bunch of people who tentatively shuffled closer to the stage, The Soul Rebels’ presence and all-round talent reminded them why they were there in the first place – to enjoy themselves. And that they did.

Fusing original material with covers of well-known songs, the set never failed to engage and entertain. With mostly instrumental (there were some fantastic vocals, but the real magic is in the instrumentals) versions of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams, and Pharrell Williams’ recent hit Happy blended in with original songs like 504 and My Time, this band know how to engage an audience, even those unfamiliar with their work.

There truly is something for everyone with these guys, in repertoire, gift and sheer charisma. From start to finish this show did not falter, only ever drawing the audience further in. A real treat for the soul and something that is lesser seen in this city. Some of the most charming and purely talented people to be found on a stage.

Phoebe Person
Photos: Andrei Grosu

For further information and future events visit the Soul Rebels’ website here.