In the heart of London’s music scene, a sound reverberates through the city streets, fueled by the rebellious spirit of the punk movement. Enter Rifle, a band forged in the fires of collaboration and shaped by the diverse musical backgrounds of its members – Max, Ross, Flynn, Albert and Louis. I had the pleasure to get these five rebels delve into the origins, influences and future plans of the band and its uproar in the scene.

Formation and Roots

Rifle’s roots can be traced back to the workplace, where Max and Ross first met, laying the foundation for what would become a powerful musical force. Drawing from previous musical adventures in bands like Average Life Complaints and The Priories, the amalgamation of talent within Rifle is a testament to the rich and varied experiences each member brings to the table.

Hailing from Essex and North London, the band is deeply connected to the vibrant underground scene that permeates the capital. London’s diverse musical landscape, showcasing everything from Oi! to Anarcho punk, provides the perfect backdrop for Rifle’s explosive sound.

The Name Game

Selecting a band name can be as challenging as composing the perfect riff. For Rifle, the process involved a series of trial and error, with more discarded names than songs in their repertoire. Ross ultimately coined the band’s moniker, Rifle, a name as sharp and to the point as their music, and, as they humorously note, “no pun intended.”

AnarchOi! and Musical Influences

The heart of Rifle beats to the rhythm of AnarchOi! and punk, with a healthy dose of first-wave and proto-punk influences. The band proudly embraces the label of “anarcho oi,” a term they hope will gain traction in the punk community. Their shared interest in rebellious, raw, and politically charged music forms the core of their sonic identity.

Highlights of 2023 and Future Plans

2023 marked a milestone for Rifle with the release of their debut 7″. The band expressed their gratitude for the collaborative effort that went into the project and their satisfaction with the final outcome. Looking ahead, the horizon is filled with promise as Rifle prepares to embark on their first major tour, sharing stages with The Chisel throughout February.

Excitement fills the air as Rifle anticipates reaching new audiences and uncharted territories, hoping to connect with people through their music. The band’s plans for the future include continuing to explore uncharted territories and pushing the boundaries of their AnarchOi! sound.

London’s Musical Landscape and Scene Support

London’s music scene, described by Rifle as eclectic and vibrant, provides a nurturing environment for a range of styles and genres. The band expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from venues, promoters and fans alike. In a city where diversity is celebrated, Rifle has found a home for their rebellious sound.

Scene Recommendations and Latest Release

Rifle eagerly recommends catching the performances of their scene peers, including Stingray, Hellscape and Mindless. The latest release, “Under Two Flags,” showcases the band’s evolution and commitment to delivering a raw and authentic sound. Working with Jonah Falco on mixing and Chris Dodd for its release via Standard Process, Rifle found the perfect collaborators to bring their vision to life. The band reflects on the journey, noting that Chris Dodd’s involvement gave them the motivation needed to record the EP with the intensity it deserved.

As our conversation drew to a close, the members of Rifle raised their metaphorical glasses, expressing their gratitude for the journey so far and the exciting road that lies ahead. With their sharp sound and pointed lyrics, Rifle is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, reminding us that the spirit of rebellion is very much alive and kicking in the heart of London. Cheers to AnarchOi! and the resonating sounds of Rifle!

Image copyright Roadwarrior Photography 

Tour dates with The Chisel:

Date	Venue	City
Feb 01	Key Club	Leeds, UK
Feb 02	The Cluny 2	Newcastle, UK
Feb 03	The Wee Red	Edinburgh, UK
Feb 04	Star and Garter	Manchester, UK
Feb 09	Portland Arms	Cambridge, UK
Feb 10	The Horn	St. Albans, UK
Feb 11	Green Door Store	Brighton, UK
Feb 16	The Joiners	Southampton, UK
Feb 17	Exchange	Bristol, UK
Feb 18	The Globe	Cardiff, UK
Feb 23	Forum	Tunbridge Wells, UK
Feb 24	100 Club	London, UK
Feb 25	The Bodega	Nottingham, UK