By
Rob Jones
London Calling is a premier tribute act that worship at the temple of The Clash. This Bristol quartet dress akin to their idols but they do not attempt to replicate the plethora of poses one would associate with a nucleus of Joe Strummer, Paul Simenon, Mick Jones and Topper Headon. What these lads do is deliver their own aural appreciation that interprets the multi-faceted components of a classic Clash catalogue-and, their set at Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff was a fine compliment to the magnificent four!
The audience are given the riot rock of the late 70’s via the likes of Safe European Home, English Civil War, Tommy Gun, What’s my Name, Clash City Rockers, Remote Control and Complete Control. In amongst this gung ho gusto the reggae arm of The Clash surfaces through the rock crossover of Police & Thieves and (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais) plus the more pure dub delicacies of Armagideon Time. To add to which the funkier, soulful threads of Train in Vain and the potent pop precision of Should I Stay or should I go sit alongside the slightly more restrained rebellion of Clampdown, London Calling and I fought the Law (the cover version that was to become famed with The Clash).
36 years ago just across the road at the long lost Sophia Gardens venue I was lucky enough to see The Clash in full flight and even though that experience could not be bettered it was good to be taken back to that electric era. London Calling offer precision, potency and power-and, the chance to relive these rebellious rhythms was a beat treat!
The good news is that London Calling is set for a date at Ystrad Rhondda RFC on Easter Sunday, March 27, 5pm. Admission is £7 on the door or tickets are available via the venue or the Second Time Around record store (Dunraven Arcade, Tonypandy on Fridays or Saturdays). Check out London Calling as they are set to rock the Rhondda!
