The Rittz and Friends Festival - The Club Congleton 4th August 2012
The Rittz

For me, the end was drawing nigh. The Rittz readied themselves and I prepared for my last band of the day. I had not, actually, managed to see The Rittz before, although, I had come close on a couple of occasions. I was, however, reasonably familiar with their songs, through the wonders of the interweb. Isn't technology wonderful?

Setlist: Where You Gonna Go? / No Time / Let Them Take Me Higher / Marilyn / Charlie / False Apologies / Dark Sharp Shock / I Know Why You've Always Got The Blues

As a band, The Rittz sound extremely good. There. Review: done!

It could be that simple. They are just bloody good!

The Rittz is a very tight band and they have a lovely, hard-rocking guitar sound, a pulsating bassline, and some excellent self-penned tunes. In particular, Where You Gonna Go, Marilyn, and Dark Sharp Shock are up there with anything you will hear on the airwaves. Indeed, their original songs have a quality that draws you in and within a few bars, you feel like they're old favourites. Their music is very accessible and you just can't help but go with it. They hook you very quickly.

Sam Hancock's guitar playing comes across as quite understated but, don't be fooled! The boy done got the chops and he can certainly do the business and let rip in a way that makes you stand back and say: “Woah! I didn't see that coming!” I love Adam French's gritty vocal too. It cuts through the sound and is clear and powerful. Jake Alldread's bass is noticeable and has a lovely, low-down rumble that I like and, alongside Matty's drumming, the two really keep the rhythm going strong.

The Rittz and Friends Festival 2012

If I had to pick a band that they reminded me of, I'd go for The Von Bondies. Those catchy rhythms, singalong lyrics, dominant vocal and kickass delivery. Just has that same feel to me. Yep. I'll stick with that comparison. I'm happy.

The Rittz is a cracking band and I expect to hear of their achieving well-deserved success quite soon.

Two Teas, One Zed.
Rittz.


Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder

8th August 2012

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Goodnight, Mrs Kalabash...

After all of this, there was still a few hours of DJs to come, including the legend that is Dave Grigger, Sam Hurst, and J-Ly which would, I am sure, bring a fantastic day to a fitting conclusion. But, for one Old Bloke's Day Out with The Young Folks, that was pretty much all she wrote.

I had a fantastic time and, had I the wherewithal, I would sign every act on the bill because they all deserve recognition and success.

Finally, my congratulations to The Rittz for arranging and organising a fabulous day of varied entertainment. Well done chaps!

I just have one question: When's the next one?


Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder

8th August 2012