28 Induce a Jailhouse Rock

by Luke Collins

At first sight, 28 would appear no different from the sea of young musicians playing at local events, after hours of practice and wishful thinking in their basements and garages. They come across as four ordinary boys, dressed for comfort, more than for show yet this is what gives them their charm. As bands such as the Arctic Monkeys will quite gladly tell you, it’s not your dress that earns your success or attention, but your music, and it is when 28 pick up their instruments and play that we begin to see their real character.

Front man Oliver Clifford leads the band with an air of confidence lacking in so many singers. His ease on stage is refreshing and talking to the audience comes naturally to the front man as he made the audience laugh on more than one occasion. Whilst Oli engaged the crowd, the three remaining members were happy to sit back however this is not to be mistaken for shyness as Michael Hinchcliffe (on bass guitar and backing vocals), Jamie Robertson (on rhythm guitar) and George Wybrow (on drums) played with a confidence befitting their musical abilities.

George drove the band with the contrasting energetic beats of “Helicopter” by Bloc Party, and the slow but authentic accompaniment to “Sunday Morning”, a song of the bands own creation. George’s concentration was undeniable, and he kept the band tight and in time throughout.

Whilst Mikes abilities on bass outstripped his singing, the backing vocals did add an extra dimension, giving their songs a more layered feel, especially in songs such as Helicopter where it was executed well. 28’s rhythm guitarist, Jamie, was perhaps the most reserved member of the band, yet this did not transfer to his music in which he was not afraid to take on tricky riffs or mini solos. Modest would be a suitable term to describe this more than able guitarist.

As the show came to a close, it transpired that the bands own song “Your Downfall” had impressed me the most. It was catchy and very hard to stay still to with many a head in the crowd moving to the smile inducing rhythm. Their covers were of equal musical quality, and “Banquet” by Bloc Party in particular was done nicely. The bands ability to perform both their own and others material left me excited, and wanting more from this local band and I am sure they will deliver in the months to come. As to the reason they are called 28? I guess you’ll have to go see them to find out.