The atmosphere at The Haunt was already electrifying even before the support group Ratbag took to the stage to produce a rousing and vibrant performance which upped the temperature even more and spoke volumes for their own unique sound. Vita on lead vocals and accordian was visually captivating and soon had the audience in full swing and limbering up for the main event. Although I was not familiar with their songs they proved to not only be the perfect support but a very strong act in their own right.

It had already been well advertised and promoted that tonight’s performance by Los Albertos was being filmed and recorded for the release of a live album later in the year. This added much hype to the atmosphere and expectation of the audience as well as the band’s own performance. However Los Albertos were more than ready and able to live up to the moment and remained exquistely in control throughout the gig even though at times the audience got really wild, with photographers and cameramen fleeing the venue floor, leaving it to a mass of fanatical pogoing fans.

From the opening number ‘Carry On’ you could feel and hear the love and respect between the band and their audience. Perhaps it was down to the gig being recorded but the sound was excellent, Martz Andrews on drums with the rest of the band (Mark Crawford (guitar), Des Crawley (trumpet), Adz Moog-Fulcher (bass), Tim Herman, (alto sax) and Chez Harper-Grimble (tenor sax) sharing vocal duties to create a gloriously fat, driving sound. This allows Los Albertos to deliver their excellent fusion of ska, reggae and rock which never fails to caress their audience into wild abandonment while singing at full throttle. It cannot be over estimated how strong the bond is between Los Albertos and their devoted fans.

Their excellent cheeky-chappie, tongue-twisting lyrics and socially aware songs are no better displayed than on ‘Money’, ‘Dish It’, ‘Sleep Ruff’ and ‘Fall from Grace’ (as featured on their latest EP release This Is A Serious Party). One of their songs, 'Leslie Ash', inspires a substantial part of the audience to invade the stage at one point, creating the ultimate party atmosphere. The whole crowd are keen to somehow become part of this much loved band and the pure joy of the evening. As consumate entertainers Los Albertos were completely unfazed and carried on regardless (although the soundman breathed a curse under his breath for losing his ambient mic feed in the melee). It was great fun and clearly everybody was having an amazing time. I do not believe there can be a band to match the sheer joy that Los Albertos instill into their audience. As well as the enthusiasm for their work they never fail to leave their audience hugely satisfied, exhausted, caked in sweat and desparate to see them again.

I cannot recommend this band enough for a great night out and cannot wait to get the live album and see the video of tonight’s show.
Frank

Website: los-albertos.com

Read our Spotlight on Los Albertos here: http://brightonsfinest.com/html/index.php/spotlight/1380-los-albertos-new-ep-first-listen