The Roebucks Are Worth Your Bucks (or in our case, watch them for free at the Sebright Arms)
Photo credits: Clara Goilav
In my lifetime, I have been to many a free gig in London. These free gigs stand in for a night at the club or the pub when the wallet feels extra empty, which is more often than I care to admit. As the saying goes, ‘beggars can’t be choosers’, so I never complain about the music even if it's not exactly my vibe. Music is music, and loud music of any kind in the basement of a pub just off Broadway Market, to me, certifies a fun night. Amidst it all, some hidden gems, such as the Roebucks, make it onto the Spotify playlist.
On Wednesday night, I was scrolling through DICE (as one does), looking through the regular spots: Shacklewell Arms, the George Tavern, and Sebright Arms, scrounging around for a free gig to go to. Lo and behold, (actually to no surprise), the Sebright Arms was hosting the Roebucks, a Brighton-native band described as ‘indie folk’.
As those familiar with DICE would know, you sometimes have snippets of the band’s song next to their name on the uploaded setlist. Such was the case for the Roebucks. From the second I clicked ‘play’, I was hooked. Hypnotized by their harmonies and folk-inspired melodies featured in songs like 'Heavy Eyes' and 'Sable', with a hint of country influence and bluesy vibes. Pre-gig, I already knew the lyrics to some songs of their songs like a true die-hard fan.
On Friday night, we headed to the pub to see if the band lived up to the hype in their live performance. With Lola Gordon and Tom Cotter on the guitar and vocals, Sophie Moloney on the drums and vocals, and Henry Brown on the bass, the Roebucks transformed the tiny basement of the Sebright Arms into a 60s-esque blues bar. In the crowd, the moves were getting dusted off. Hips were moving and grooving, and legs were getting kicked around. When the harmonica got pulled out for their song 'Low' and their cover of 'Dimples' (originally performed by Johnny Lee Hooker), my mind went straight to Bob Dylan. Since Dylan’s biggest musical inspirations included Hank Williams and Jimmy Rodgers, this checks out, since I feel these influences are also shared by the Roebucks.
A note on the 'Dimples' cover performed at the end: simply put, it blew the roof off! It was mind-blowing and got me, and everyone else in the basement, on a high that lasted the rest of the night. The best way I can describe the Roebucks is by drawing parallels: think of a modernised version of the Byrds, mixed with Peter, Paul, and Mary (for the slow parts). In terms of bass and guitar, it got me thinking about the song 'Green Onions' by Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
I also like to think that they've carved out their own unique sound. Sure, I can pinpoint certain inspirations, but they are definitely bringing something fresh and new to the table! While their songs vary from slow to more upbeat, they share a common thread, characterized by their unique guitar sounds and Lola’s angelic voice: soft and smooth yet powerful. Tom and Lola, on the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster respectively, allow them to achieve both ‘twangy riffs’ and ‘deeper bluesy sounds’.
I now turn to offer you, the reader, an analysis of my favourite Roebucks song: 'Heavy Eyes'. My personal interpretation is that the song is an ode to longing for someone - the comfort of being in their presence, and the unspoken deep connection you can feel with a sort of soul mate. 'Heavy Eyes' captures the intimacy and otherworldly spiritual bond you feel with another, be it a partner, friend, or sibling, and the inability to put it into words. It also captures the permanence of such a bond, despite distance or inevitable drifting.
As with any song, interpretation is personal. Lola, the writer of this track, wrote it shortly after the passing of her older sister. The band purposely chose to have Tom play a slide part offering a sort of second voice imitating a crying sound. It is meant to be both mournful and optimistic, promising that their sisterly love remains unbreakable and infinite.
To conclude, I wish to say that despite the gig being free, it was truly one of the highest quality bits of live music I have heard in a hot minute. They deserve to headline a show, to take up at least two hours of my night, to transport me to the bluesy 60s, and to get the whole crowd grooving and boogying. When they do so, and no longer play these free gigs but instead play modern-day Woodstock, let me vouch for them and say that the Roebucks are worth your bucks!
Edited by Julia Curry - Music Editor
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