RAZORLIGHT
Slipway Fires
Fri March 6, 2009

words_emily tan

The Fillmore at Irving Plaza in New York was buzzing with the anticipation for London-based Razorlight to walk onto the stage. And as each member stepped on, the energy amongst the crowd heightened to a level that was later ignited into an explosion of sound when frontman Johnny Borrell took the mic. Jumping right into their set, Borrell (sporting some of the tightest pants ever) bounced all over the stage as the rest of the band rocked out behind him. In a matter of minutes, the show turned into one rock-and-roll dance party.

When most people think of the British Invasion, visions of McCartney, Jagger and even the Gallagher Brothers come to mind. However, a new generation of UK bands are filtering into the U.S. and satisfying our musical appetites. And Razorlight is just one of those gems.

Starting in 2002, Razorlight didn’t become a household name until the summer of 2004 when the band’s debut album Up All Night hit the #1 spot on the UK album chart. The band’s popularity soon soared, and they found themselves opening for Oasis and the Rolling Stones, receiving numerous accolades and playing to thousands in sold-out shows all over the UK. Yet it wasn’t until their 2004 appearance at SXSW that American ears started to take notice. The band released their self-titled debut in summer 2006, which successfully rose to #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.

Although many would think they’re just another indie British rock band, Razorlight is pretty focused on being themselves and try not to compare themselves to other acts. “We’re fairly old school in what we do and are a straightforward British rock-and-roll band,” says Andy Burrows, the band’s drummer. “We all just get down with being Razorlight. We all believe in the songs that we write, and I know we’re all very excited to get out there and play.”

Their new album Slipway Fires, out in March, was a fairly easy album for the band to make, Burrows says. “It didn’t feel rushed or anything like that. It just felt really natural to make,” he said. Razorlight hopes to make their presence known on the American stage. “We want to have a real and genuine connection here in the U.S.,” Burrows explains. “I think we have a lot offer as a band and as a group of musicians.”

But with unending success at home, how does the band feel about going back to square one in the U.S.? “The challenge is something we always relish,” Burrows admits. “It’s exciting. All the guys here are really excited about what we’re trying to do, and we’re starting this year with a real positive attitude.”

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