Rival Schools Live Review

London, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen 16/11/10

Nearly a decade on from the release of their first, and so far only, album United By Fate, the hugely influential post-hardcore rockers Rival Schools made their live return to London last night.

The one-off show at the "intimate" Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen saw the four band-members - Walter Schreifels, Ian Love, Cache Tolman and Sam Siegler - welcomed with open arms by the devoted crowd.

Tracks from the band's long-awaited second album Pedals, due next March, were well received, with new single Shot After Shot and 69 Guns shining in particular.

The new material sat comfortably alongside the large selection of rapturously received tracks performed from the band's debut album, including Good Things, Undercovers On and a storming Used For Glue.

Schreifels is a highly engaging frontman, unafraid to mix banter and Beatles singsongs with the band's emotive lyrics and intricate instrumentation to help create an inclusive, celebratory live experience.

Rival Schools will be returning to the UK for full tour next year, don't miss them unless you fancy risking another long wait...
 

Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311