When They Riot ‘Bedlam’ Review: Captivating Grunge Anthem

FOX-REVIEWS-ROCK-DOWNLOAD-FESTIVAL-WHEN-THEY-RIOT-3
Introduction

When a band describes itself as explosive grunge rock, you know you have to pay attention! The three-piece band When They Riot from Leeds, UK deserves it too! Known for their raw, unfiltered energy, the trio of Tom Wallwork (Guitar/Vocals), Luke Marshall (Drums), and Bobby Tait (Bass) know how to rock, and then some!

Following on from the success of their debut self-titled EP, the band has since released singles such as “Save Us From Ourselves” and gone on extensive tours of the UK. Four singles released in the last two years can only mean one thing… A new album! Which is currently in the works! Today we review the latest of these singles, “Bedlam”.

When They Riot- Bedlam (All Rights Retained By When They Riot)
Review
When They Riot – Photo By Tash Koziarska

The newest track from When They Riot, “Bedlam,” combines subtle emotion with unfiltered grunge energy. As soon as the first chord hits, the song grabs my attention with a captivating riff, followed by a timely entrance of the drums. Together, they set the stage for a truly impactful angsty anthem. Vocally speaking, I’m transported back to the first time I heard Nirvana’s slower songs, and that’s a big compliment!

Diving down into the depths of one’s own “Bedlam,” as the song delves into themes of unease and uncertainty. The lyrics provide a raw and honest perspective for those grappling with their own quarter-life crisis. The frontman’s vocals are a mix of subdued and passionate, delivering lines with a real raw quality that makes you feel every word. I would love to hear the band perform the song live , If you also enjoy live music make sure to buy your tickets through Ticketmaster!

The track demonstrates the band’s versatility by blending slow grunge with rock and alternative elements, creating a standout song. A strong point is the chorus, which highlights the unsettling self-doubt and wave of emotions that the period of life brings with it. The end of the chorus “Nothing even matters anyway” lingers in your mind long after the song ends, while also offering a powerful message. The production is top-notch, highlighting the grunge edge rather than smoothing it over.

The bridge provides a moment of reflection before building back up to an intense climax, perfectly capturing the theme of confusion and chaos in life that I believe the band aims to convey.

Overall, “Bedlam” is a fearless declaration of the band’s evolution, yet it remains faithful to their origins. Having to (as a listener) face your own chaos gives the song depth and makes it a real gem in the band’s crown. I’m hoping more of the same is to follow!

All the songs, used in this review belong to their respective owners and I or this website does not claim any right over them. All images were provided by When They Riot and were taken by Tash Koziarska.

Måneskin – Honey (Are U Coming?) – (Song Review)

Italian rock band Måneskin, winners of Eurovision 2021, achieved international fame with their third single “Honey (Are U Coming?)” from the album Rush. The energetic song and captivating music video showcase their transition to English. Despite some criticisms, their electrifying stage presence and unique musical elements continue to resonate, making them a must-see live act.


Keep Up To Date With Fox Reviews Rock

Subscribe to get the latest rock and metal posts to your email.

20 responses to “When They Riot ‘Bedlam’ Review: Captivating Grunge Anthem”

  1. michael branscáth avatar

    Yep. Accurate self-description by the band. Ahh, the memories.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      It is very accurate isn’t it ! They your cuppa tea ? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. michael branscáth avatar

        I find I’m liking the grunge sound more the further away I am from it. At the time, it felt derivative of the garage bands I loved and grew up with, so I mostly listened on the radio (It didn’t help that I was living in Seattle at the time). But now I realize there were some solid tunes from that era and, yes it may have been derivative, but they had added their own signature to the overall sound.

        I’m less opinionated and grumpy about music than I was “back in the day”. And I kind of miss the sound, which is slightly surprising to admit.

        That’s a lot of spilled words to say: yes, they are possibly my cup of tea.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

          Me too! Ah yeah I imagine living in seattle didn’t help!

          Well it might have been a roundabout way but it was for sure entertaining!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. michael branscáth avatar

            Yeah, it was literally everywhere in Seattle at the time. Coffee shops, nightclubs, high rotation on the radio, street speakers for businesses… The over-saturation wore me out.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

              Not gonna lie I would have totally have loved that ! What was seattle like in general ?

              Liked by 1 person

              1. michael branscáth avatar

                Just starting to lose its smaller city feel. It didn’t feel like a massive city yet last time I visited, but back in the 80s it still felt smaller than it did by the 90s. It was busy and kinda of messy in terms of organization, but felt closer to something like Minneapolis or Milwaukee than Chicago — if that makes any sense. It still had more of a village sense in how people interacted, but my recent trip a few years ago felt very much more like a city. You could see that it was moving that direction when I lived there.

                I lived and worked around the block from the Crocodile Cafe and saw a few bands there. Not my favorite venue that I’ve seen shows at, but eminently doable. I spent most of my time at a cafe in Belltown, working with other writers, buskers and poets to try and make a new scene. Had some minor success, too. Everything felt ripe with potential at the time because there was so much focus on the music, much like Minneapolis felt in the 80s when Prince, Husker Du and The Replacements first grabbed the music world’s attention.

                Seattle had and has a great vibe to it. I miss it as if it was my home away from home.

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

                  Well you have sold it to me! Next time i visit the states im going to make seattle a stop off on my trip!

                  Liked by 1 person

  2. Mostafa avatar

    So nice I liked the moonlights more.

    Like

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Are Moonlights a band ? 🙂

      Like

      1. Mostafa avatar

        the Danish band Måneskin (in Danish its moonlight)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

          Ahhhh right you are! I should bloody well know that bearing in mind i wrote that ! haha

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Mostafa avatar

            Haha it is indeed

            Liked by 1 person

  3. ibarynt avatar

    Quarter life crisis – I’ll take that. Got to listen to this song.

    Like

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Hope you like it as much as we did ! 🙂 let us know either way.

      Like

  4. ibarynt avatar

    Love love love Papa Roach’s Leave A Light On… one of those songs you never tire of.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. ibarynt avatar

        Would you consider doing a special on Crosby, Still, Nash &Young? I know they’re not your usual.. just a thought ☺️.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

          I have no reason to say no 🙂 We would consider it for sure , but we have a fair amount already in the pipeline

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Set The Tone With… Radio Aftermath – Fox Reviews Rock avatar

    […] Fox: Actually we know all about When They Riot! We actually reviewed their single Bedlam. You can read it here. […]

    Like

Leave a reply to Fox Reviews Rock Cancel reply