November 16, 2007

Gallows Feat Lethal Bizzle

Staring At The Rude Bois

Photo Gallery: Gallows
Photo: Phil Wallis

There are a few reasons why this song should be the first disappointing thing the “coolest man in the world”™ Frank Carter has ever put his name to. Firstly, it’s the ‘cash-in’ extra track on the Warners re-issue of ‘Orchestra Of Wolves’. Secondly, it’s a cover of an already classic ’70s track, and what’s the point of that? Thirdly (thirdly!) it’s a track you could lazily shoe horn into the ‘rock/rap’ cannon. A world that is still probably best known for giving us the brilliant wedding DJ staple Run-DMC and Aerosmith’s ‘Walk This Way’ but also, um, Limp Bizkit.
So far, so not hardcore. In fact all things considered ‘Staring At The Rude Bois’ should be a shocking, tits-out, desperate bid for the Top 10 akin to a pant-free Geri Halliwell faking a heart attack and shagging Russell Brand en route to A&E.

Well it’s not. Despite all the negativity this is actually a very brilliant collaboration that should rightfully get Gallows into the homes, cars and hearts of the nation. Yeah, the production sounds drive-time fresh, but no more so than The Clash or the Sex Pistols did. Much more importantly Frank’s boulder-crushing vocals are still red-alarm-urgent. Gallows have taken The Ruts’ original and added further tension and anger.
And then there’s Bizzle. His guest appearance at the end of the track may be short – “Eww it’s the Bizzle” he mutters, sounding something like Jack Nicholson’s “Heeeeeere’s Johnny!” in The Shining, and bringing to 124,113 the number of times he’s said his own name this year – but it’s still perfectly formed, and perfectly fitting. All told, it’s a worthy tribute to Ruts’ guitarist Paul Fox, who died of cancer last month.
Preconceptions be damned: Gallows and Bizzle have pulled it out the bag with a flourish.

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