The RPMs rock up to The Great Escape.

The RPMs: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The RPMS – rocking into The Great Escape.

The RPM’s emerged from the Brighton scene that has also birthed contemporaries Black Honey and Fickle Friends. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar), Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience, followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change’ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support of singles ‘Oh My God’and ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ TheRPM’s expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summers on lead guitar to create a larger live sound and carve out a more ambitious sonic direction.

The Band

Jack Valero (Guitar/Lead Vocals),
Miguel Cosme (Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals),
Callum James (Drums),
Ollie Summers (Lead Guitar),
Chris Bowden (Keyboards)

Always a joy to catch up with The RPMs, becoming less frequent these days. A UK tour and a successful trip to the USA has seen the guys busy to say the least. Its always fun hanging out with these guys, and always interesting to see what they are doing.

The RPMs: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

It was Great Escape time in Brighton and The RPMs had a slot at Shortts Bar in Brighton. It was a hot sunny afternoon. The bar started to fill up as the guys took their places in a very cramped space.

The RPMs: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Set

I have to say it was short! Could have managed a few more songs but the schedules of the venues mean everything has to run to time. The guys opened up with the haunting, beautiful song Your Ghost and this played into their latest release Let Things Happen. We also got Uneducated, Things I Forgot To Do, When I run and a couple more. The band played a fabulous set, and Jack always the showman and always the front man came out and mingled with the crowd – dancing and singing! Great to see Jack strap on his guitar for a number.

So…. The RPMs have a lot of things happening over the summer and are playing Brighton at The Hope and Ruin in July. Keep an eye out for that. Tickets are bound to shift quickly for that hometown show.

Thank you to The RPMs – a great set, and much respect to you guys. Just keep doing it!

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Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.

All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2018.

Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”