Rudimental come out like a canon at Webster hall on Sept. 29.
Jumping in to a performance of their hit, “Waiting All Night,” Rudimental didn’t hesitate to get everyone in Webster Hall on their feet and screaming. Upon first taking the stage, they don’t quite look like a cohesive group.
The group itself is obviously extremely eclectic. Some members are dressed in baggy shorts and plain tees, others in more modern short sleeve button ups in colorful patterns or their own merch promoting their new album We the Generation. Whichever way you look at it, there’s a lot going on. But Rudimental’s performance and music aren’t scattered.
In fact, their performance is extremely cohesive. The group is a quartet comprised of Amir Amor, Peirs Agget, Kesi Dryden and DJ Locksmith. Early on, everyone is so at ease on stage and comfortable with each other that nothing looks rehearsed. Instead they just look like they’re jamming and enjoying the music. Their happy and rambunctious demeanor is infectious.
That happiness and determined feeling was evident in the content of their songs as they continued the concert with “Feel the Love” and “Not Giving In.” DJ Locksmith dedicated the latter to his son.
A highlight of the night was their performance of “Free.” The track is one of their biggest hits to date and features Emeli Sandé. The song personifies Rudimental’s positively inspiring vibe declaring that despite flaws, we are all free. The message titters on being cliche but miraculously, from Rudimental it seems genuine. They entrance the crowd so easily, while also having fun.
Surprise guest Ed Sheeran came out later in the show to jump and laugh with the band. He is a frequent collaborator and really good friends with Rudimental. They performed “Bloodstream.” The song originally appeared on Sheeran’s album X and Rudimental has also opened for Sheeran on his world tour. Sheeran was also clearly affected by Rudimental’s optimism as he sang and danced with the group to their new song “Lay It All On Me.” “Lay it All On Me” is on their new album We the Generation. The album is available now.
Like their style, their music can’t be pinned to any one genre. They easily utilize drums, keyboards, computers and brass instruments to create their extremely uplifting and unique electronic sound. As Rudimental gains popularity in the states, it will be because of their genuine talent.