The Rifles at Koko

Chingford-born indie-rock quintet, The Rifles, is a group for the people; even in their early days, they reached outstanding heights with chart-topping lead singles that earned them a ride-or-die following. The UK is well aware of The Rifles, and touring is where they shine. Whether it be festivals or hometown gigs, their fans would be sure to fill seats. The band’s latest performance at KOKO in Camden is no different.

The Rifles are no stranger to the venue, gracing their stage twice in the past decade. This was evident as they strutted in without a worry in the world. Upon arrival, however, they were met with chants akin to that of a Premier League match. The crowd continuously shouted, but The Rifles remained cool, calm and collected as Local Boy bounced off the walls, an array of flashing lights shot rapidly to the beat of each strum of Joel Stoker and Luke Crowther’s electric guitars. The audience became the band’s backtrack, making for a charmingly raw introduction. 

The high energy refused to simmer down as The Rifles played some of their biggest hits: the performance of Go Lucky and Heebie Jeebies had the crowd singing louder than the band, and their voices became a booming chorus as each song progressed. They did not stick to just their classics, however; Out For the Weekend, which is a moment from their 2024 album Love Your Neighbour, was greeted with the same attitude, allowing for the old to blend with the new seamlessly.

KOKO is not a small venue by any means, and The Rifles’s expertise could not be ignored, but somehow, the performance felt intimate; an outsider may assume that everyone present already knew each other. Hands holding pints of various flavours shot up at each song’s peak as though a venue-wide toast was being made and many danced crazily with perfect strangers, ensuring no one was left behind. Some general admission shows may feel like it is every man for himself – The Rifles’s fans, however, demand that everyone have the time of their lives.

The night rounded out with a lengthy encore. The group put their twist on It Must Be Love by Labi Siffre, and although the set was nearly finished, smiles lined the faces of all in attendance. Folks hugged one another, swaying back and forth to this rock rendition of a well-loved classic. Even until the finale, the explosiveness of each instrument never wavered: Talking, Under and Over and Romeo & Julie were just as powerful as ever. The Rifles let the final notes of Romeo & Julie ring out and prolonged their leave from the stage whilst the attendees chanted for one last time. 

Overall, The Rifles do not just play a good gig; they create a homey atmosphere where their community is placed at the forefront rather than themselves. Whether chatting amongst each other while sipping on pints or laughing with the audience like old friends, The Rifles and their supporters ensure that all are welcome.

Taryn Crowley
Photos: Mark Wilkinson

For further information and future events visit The Rifles’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Days of Our Lives here: