ALBUM REVIEW: The Ripps - Heartaches + Hangovers

If being in a band is a journey, then The Ripps have travelled around the world several times. The Coventry band first debuted in 2007 with 'Long Live The Ripps' and went on to perform at Glastonbury the same year, storming the indie charts with their 70's punk influenced songs 'Vandals', 'Loco' and 'Holiday'. Brothers Patch and Raul Lagunas experienced the highs of being in a band that was starting to make it big, they were touring the UK and living the dream. But every musician will tell you that the dream can be shattered just as quickly as it was created and The Ripps have endured being capsized a fair few times during their long journey. Thankfully  the brothers never gave up and  their passion for music can be clearly seen in the long awaited follow up album 'Heartaches + Hangovers', released digitally on 21st May and in stores from 4th June 2012.

The Ripps have doubled in band numbers since their debut album, with Alan Ferguson on bass and Phil Cox on drums, Terry Muttitt on keys and Lolly McIntosh completing the line up on vocals. The album title 'Heartaches + Hangovers' might have you thinking it could be a rather somber 45 minutes, but you would be mistaken. This is an uplifting collection of songs that will leave you humming the tunes long before you know all the words!

The album begins with the up tempo 'She's Not All There' - the perfect song to play when you are getting ready for a Friday night out on the town. Lolly McIntosh provides gentle backing vocals with Patch delivering the main lyrics, "She's always in a rush on a Friday night, posing in the mirror she's looking alright, pictures herself in a perfect life with a happy ending." The lyrics continue to grab your attention during 'Anarchy Bridge' a song about heartbreak, with the opening line, "I met you in a crowded room and we danced all night to shitty tunes and you smiled and took me by the hand."  Forget feeling morose in a Morrissey kind of way, the foot tapping beat will leave you feeling happy that you opened your heart up to let love in and experience the pains and pleasures it can bring.



For those who loved 'Long Live The Ripps', the new album has enough for you to join in and sing along, 'Lovesick' is the kind of song you put on repeat and find yourself singing the chorus over and over. Watching The Ripps perform this song live is always a treat and the on stage antics between Patch and Lolly remind me how entertaining the band are. The tempo really reaches fever pitch during 'Lose Yourself', it's the kind of song you can clap along too or have a bit of a wild western jig while on the dancefloor . Once again the lyrics impressed me, "She looks at me with those devil eyes, do you wanna be lonely?, do you wanna get high? I'm asking for trouble and I don't know why...." This is a song about love and how you lose yourself when that love consumes your heart and mind. We've all been there and 'Lose Yourself' relates to each and every one of us.........

The Ripps (*pic by Redwood photography)

Cue the tambourine and maracas for 'Remember Me' as The Ripps get to demonstrate their talents during this musical feast about falling in love and the highs love brings. They follow this up a break up song called 'You and I' , just to keep listeners in the reality loop of the strains and heartaches that relationships can bring upon us. The Ripps then lift us from the doldrums of a broken heart and apply a plaster to our wounds with 'True Colours'  - the sort of song you need to play when you are just getting over a relationship. You know that feeling when you should let someone go, but you really don't want to - even though they've hurt you. This song encapsulates those emotions in just over three minutes and concludes with the lyrics, 'I don't want to let you go.' 


'The Honeymoon Is Over' continues the journey of realisation that a relationship is coming to an end. In typical Ripps fashion - the tune is upbeat and shows how the band have grown up and learnt from the many experiences they have gone through. While the honeymoon may be over, The Ripps prove they have developed and matured their sound with some topical songs about love and life. The album lifts you up with songs like, 'The First Picture Of You' - which starts off quite dark and heavy (a bit like the 'Cov Song' on 'Long Live The Ripps') but bursts into life with the chorus.

The final track on the album 'The Way We Were' is a reflective track that reminds us how people change, just like the four seasons. Even after all the hangovers and heartaches - we still fall in love again. Slowly we open our hearts up and fall in love, removing the plasters from previous relationships by giving someone else a chance to shape our heart.

Previously The Ripps were said to be the new Supergrass, but I would say they are better than Supergrass. The lyrics in 'Young And Lost' say, "we deserve a chance, we deserve it"  This Coventry band truly deserve a chance, they have produced an album to be proud of - all without the funding or backing of a major record company. Their passion and determination not only make them proud of where they come from but also steadfast in the desire to make music. They have journeyed to the heights of Glastonbury and the lows of a 9-5 dead end job yet never given up on their dreams. The Ripps are an inspiration not only for other musicians struggling to make it, but for all lovers of real music. Buy this album and keep that dream alive.......

Upcoming Dates:


25th May – Taylor John’s House, Coventry 
8th June – The Wheelbarrow, Camden, London

Website/Social networking: 
www.theripps.co.uk
www.facebook.com/theripps
www.youtube.com/therippsmusic

For more info contact: Jamie Conlon – jrconlon@blitzsounds.co.uk or 07811 400 366

Released by: Ghoulish Records 
Release/catalogue number: GHOUL006CD 

Available from: Amazon / Play 

*PIC: Top - David Gover Photography

The Ripps Make Triumphant Return

 The Ripps made a welcome return as they showcased their new material and proved once again why their tunes are so needed today. It had been over a year since The Ripps had publicly taken to the stage, but a lot has happened since they supported Coventry legends The Specials.

 Patch and Raul Lagunas have known the highs and lows of being in a band, while trying to make a living. Thankfully for their fans - they didn't give up, instead they picked themselves up and along with new band mates Alan Ferguson (bass guitar) and Phil Cox (drums) worked hard on writing new material.

The Cambell gig was the first opportunity for family, friends and fans to hear the new songs and judging by the reactions - The Ripps have been given a big seal of approval. The many hours spent together have paid off, you could see The Ripps were enjoying being back on stage in their beloved Coventry.

 It was a triumphant return to the quirky sound that made The Ripps stand out from other bands, as each new track bellowed out from the stage, you couldn't help but tap your feet or hands. The Ripps have their mojo back and they certainly want to use it!

 VIDEOS: HERE

 The Ripps kicked off the set with two familiar songs from 'Long Live The Ripps' before winning over the Cambell crowd with 'This Modern Life', 'Dealer Song', 'The Police Are On The Attack', 'Night On The Town', 'Young and Lost' and 'All Good Things'.

 The Ripps then cranked it up to the next level with 'Riding High', 'True Colours' and 'Lose Yourself' - songs that fans can listen too on The Ripps Facebook page. By the time the final song 'Lovesick' was performed, the venue was buzzing with excitement. Patch, Raul, Alan and Phil wouldn't get away without an encore!

A four song encore proved to be a winner with the final new song 'She's Not All There', two indie hits 'Loco' and 'Holiday', then a track that featured in an episode of Glee ('Dancing With Myself'') rounded the set off perfectly. The band could now relax and enjoy socialising with friends, fired up ready for a summer of gigs.

Supporting bands Revellers Riot (above) and Casual Parents (below) warmed the crowds up ready for The Ripps and did a mighty fine job!

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

robmacca: Review of the Year 2007

January 2007:

It was a month of on/off press reports about the Spice Girls reforming with Emma Bunton saying she would love a reunion - yet in January 2007 it looked like the most we would ever get would be a one off charity gig, not a full scale tour. How things changed during 2007!

January was a very Spicey month on "robmacca's entertainment news" as news of the Beckham's topping UK Glamour magazine "Best Dressed" list (David 1st and Victoria 2nd). We posted quite a revealing picture of Victoria asking, "Can Posh make it big in LA?" Victoria and Geri were pictured together in London ice skating while Emma Bunton and Melanie C were still doing solo records.

Apart from the Spice Girls reunion talk, the ITV digital Monkey made a welcome return to TV thanks to PG Tips adverts and robmacca launched an official MySpace finally.

February 2007:

Hormones must have been high during February's blogs because robmaccaEXTRA posted "that" naked picture of Daniel Radcliffe from the West End play "Equss" and reported that Channel 4 were going to cancel it's "Wank Week" after the channel was under the spotlight for it's Big Brother rascism outburst. Coventry also topped a sex survey just to round off a rather sexy month!

Coventry band The Enemy first featured on this blog in February with robmacca saying: "I fully recommend getting on the band wagon NOW", which is what happened during 2007 as the band became massive in the UK. The Brit Awards was fully covered here and a great night for the Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse. Brits also did well over in America at the Oscars as Helen Mirram scoped awards for her role as The Queen (as well as at the BAFTA's). More talk of a Spice Girls reunion in late 2007 and reports of the Beckham's £10m TV deal.

March 2007:

Posh went blonde, Britney went bold and robmacca went crazy about The Ripps in March.

Girls Aloud singer, Sarah Harding got her kit off again for the Ultimo underwear collection to warm the pants of almost every teenage boy in the UK! Then Melanie C got all sexy in her new photoshoot and dressed in black pvc for the "I Want Candy" video.

robmacca followed The Ripps over to Leamington for the launch of their single "Loco" and gave the single 10 out of 10, then took a nice cold bath when a report said it hot baths were reducung sperm levels.

April 2007:

April was music month as The Enemy celebrated their first Top 10 hit with "Away From Here" and a home coming gig at Coventry's Colosseum and a signing at HMV. The Ripps were also busy putting Coventry on the map performing at Warwick Student Union with The Switches and White Light Parade.

Geri unites the Spice Girls at her daughters christening, Posh gets too posh, Mel B has a baby daughter, Mel C releases another new video and album and Sarah Harding once again gets sexy in 15 brand new pictures.

robmacca got in the local newspaper and got experimental in videos, as well as making a serious video about Royal Mail.

May 2007:

The Ripps "I love Cov" t-shirts became the latest addition at making Coventry cool in music and Patch, Raul and Rachel spent yet another month touring the country promoting their brand of music. Another local group The Rrrs became the "Band of the Month" and proved they had what it takes live.

robmacca also got to see those hot pop tarts Girls Aloud perform in Birmingham and Marc Almond in London and got to perform on stage in front of about 200 people with Drug For The Good at the Dog and Trumpet.

Eurovision proved to be as crazy as ever and robmacca got international making a video and as well as meeting frieds from around the world in the DenDen meet up.

June 2007:

Another busy month for Coventry band The Ripps as they launched their single "Holiday" at several locations yet Patch Ripp took time out to give robmacca a surprise! The Enemy continued to tour with a mother of all gigs in Birmingham as well as London and the video launch of "Had Enough" and playing Glastonbury with robmacca predicting a Brit Award in 2008.

Other local groups The Rrrs, Half of Nothing and Carter Manoeuvre kept music lovers entertained while on a global scale the Spice Girls dominated the end of the month with their announcement that they were reforming for a World Tour. BBC local radio even interviewed robmacca for two different shows. Girls Aloud Cheryl Cole got in the holiday mood with some beach clothing to make us drool and Sarah Harding showed us her summer underwear!

July 2007:

Coventry's Godiva Festival was the best yet, proving the city was well and truly on the music map. The Enemy performed and then became the first Coventry band to get a #1 UK album. Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins also performed a home coming special at HMV and some interesting interviews.

Shakes and Shivers, Patch Ripp, The Rrrs , Half of Nothing and Trash Fashion proved that music can be fun as they put on great live performances. It was our busiest month thanks to the Beckhams "W magazine" sexy photo shoot and the Spice Girls return kept them in the headlines and media. The unseasonal weather inspired some interesting art pictures...........

August 2007:

Lots of new bands to explore on Thursday nights at Kapow! as well as favourites like The Ripps kept music alive during the summer and a good time for them to celebrate Coventry. It was a working holiday for The Enemy in Ibiza before they went to prison and featured on the cover of Blag magazine and performed at the Reading/Leeds Festival. Meanwhile Liam Watts was announced as the new "Keith Moon" by some.

It was a month of pictures as Cheryl Cole showed off her new haircut, Rihanna her swimwear, Andi Peters his torso, Geri on holiday, Zac Efron's stomach, Victoria Beckham showing off her clothes range.

Mel B got married in secret, Emma Bunton had a baby and robmacca made a spoof video of Kate Nash's "Foundations".

September 2007:

The Enemy were being interviewed left, right and centre but still found time to invite the Lord Mayor out for a curry! Then back on tour and an acoustic performance in Banbury at Chalkey's record store as well as the iTunes exclusive in London. The very personal "You're Not Alone" was released and became The Enemy's third Top 20 this year.

Pint Shot Riot and The Cougars provided great nights out with live music as it should be - riotous! Interview with The Ripps proved that Coventry has talent.

October 2007:

The Spice Girls went to America, Cadbury's "Wispa" went back on sale and robmacca launched a new website dedicated to The Enemy. Q Magazine awarded The Enemy "Best New Act" and the band finished their UK tour in Birmingham , while Liam Watts showed us his skills at drum stick spinning!

At the start of the month Spice Girls Tickets sold out in 38 seconds and by the end of the month Wispa's were already hard to find. BBC local radio interviewed robmacca about the Spice Girls - would he really pay £1,000 to see them? Plus we all danced to Joy Division thanks to The Wombats!

November 2007:

It was the month that the Spice Girls dominated the music news with their "Greatest Hits" launch as well as new pictures and video for "Headlines". Onto a nice earner with the Tesco adverts and Victoria Secrets US exclusive, the Spice Girls need not worry that the Children In Need single failed to ignite the charts. Lots of new pictures of The Enemy kept fans happy.

Girls Aloud looked as stunning as ever at G-A-Y and we had to confirm Sarah Harding was not pregnant. Pint Shot Riot rocked the Kasbah at it's club launch. But don't mention a teddy called "Mohammed".

December 2007:

The year ended on a high as the Spice Girls tour reached London and David Beckham got tongues wagging in his pants (not literally!). The Enemy toured Japan, scored their fourth chart hit with "We'll Live And Die In These Towns" and had Radio 1's Jo Whiley. The press heaped praise on The Enemy, Lily Allen became pregnant and Girls Aloud returned to Top of the Pops. Oh yeah and Sarah Harding got kinky!

What a fantastic year 2007 has been for music, both local and national.

http://theenemy.eu

Godiva Festival Coventry: The Ripps

The Ripps @ Godiva Festival, Coventry

The Ripps were on the Main Stage again this weekend at Coventry's Godiva Festival and played a combination of new and old songs that injected enthusiasm into the crowds that had gathered in anticipation. No-one was left disappointed because Patch, Raul and Rachel gave another fantastic performance. Even when the rains came down, it didn't dampen the young people that were jumping around to the sound of SKA with The Ripps.

Raul and Rachel

Patch Ripp

Even from the stage you can feel the humility and genuine appreciation that The Ripps have, they are a band that have loyally promoted Coventry and love playing in front of their growing fan base. The Ripps deserve to be signed up to a major record label because the wider audience are missing out on the new sounds of SKA music. The videos below give a taste, but the quality does not do The Ripps justice. Check out their MySpace page and grab a listen to their tunes and get to know The Ripps better.................

The Ripps - "1000 Miles From Home" (Godiva Festival, Coventry)

The Ripps - "Vampires" (Godiva Festival, Coventry)

...with a little help from their friends

Coventry's Got Talent: The Ripps Interview

Here is the full interview with The Ripps, taken from "Feel Alive" Magazine (produced by CV One).



UP AND COMING COVENTRY TALENT THE RIPPS ARE A THREE PIECE BAND WHO DESCRIBE THEIR MUSIC AS ALCOPOPALTPIC, CHIPTASTIC AND TOSTADORA! THIS FUN AND ENERGETIC BAND ARE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND ARE EMERGING AS ONE OF COVENTRY'S HOTTEST NEW BANDS TO WATCH. WE CAUGHT UP WITH PATCH FROM THE BAND :

• You've been touted by NME's Radar Special as one of the bands to watch this year. Tell us about your amazing year?

Where do we start? We've been touring the UK for most of the year (it feels like forever!) and it's been so much fun. The highlights been our Glastonbury show and our hometown shows. Obviously Godiva will top them! Our debut album "Long Live The Ripps" came out earlier in the year and it was a truly overwhelming experience seeing it in the shops. The past year has been very surreal. It feels like we've lived so much in a very short space of time.

• How does it feel to be playing at the Godiva Festival in front of your home crowd?

We've lived here all our lives and growing up in Coventry it was THE event of the summer. We've been to the festival loads of times and seen many inspiring acts there so feel extremely privileged to be playing. Our hometown crowd always make our gigs special so we can't wait. We've got a few days off around the festival so we'll be hanging out maybe watching the skate comp and enjoying a few drinks.

• Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Godiva Festival?

We've been lifelong Super Furry Animals fans so we're looking forward to them. We've played with The Noisettes a few times and they're really cool. Be good catching up. The bill is really strong so it should be great. We are intrigued that The Silent League are playing. That will be hilarious.

• Have you ever been to the Godiva Festival before?

Loads and loads of times.

• How has living and growing up in Coventry inspired your songs?

Our album has been shaped by our experience here. We've even got a song called the "Cov Song" with references to the Lower Precinct and The Burges. We're 100% Coventarian so we write about what we know; Far Gosford Street, The Colly, that sort of thing. Cov might not be pretty but the people here are and it's getting better.

• So the Ripps - where did the name come from?

We were brainstorming names and it was the one that sounded most like punk bands from the late 70's like The Clash, Buzzcocks, Rezillos which we're all into. The two p's is purely an aesthetic thing R.I.P is kinda negative and we're a mostly happy bunch.

• How did it all start for you guys?

We were in other bands from Cov and we wanted a change. When we started we rehearsed for a year before playing a gig. We've always been committed. We got a manager after our first gig then slogged it playing up and down the country and playing many a time at The Colly. Eventually we got a deal. The usual story really.

• Describe your style of music?

Spanglish, kick-ass, ska tinged, mostly tongue in cheek, punk, power pop.

• Who would you compare yourself to?

Our first album is kinda like The Buzzcocks, Ramones, Rezillos, Cardiacs, These Animal Men, Supergrass, Blur or that's what we've been told. Hard question. Some of these songs have been around for a couple of years so they don't feel like they represent us where we are now, although we do like them. Our new stuff is much more Sandinista era Clash and Specials sounding. We're really excited about the new stuff.

• What would you be doing if you weren't in The Ripps?

Probably struggling in other bands or maybe at university.

• If you could form a Super Group who would be in it?

Great question!

John Lydon from The Sex Pistols or Jello Biafra from The Dead Kennedys fronting it. On guitar Kirk Hammet from Metallica or Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead. Drums - Matt Cameron originally from Sound Garden, Keith Moon or Mithc Mitchell. Bass - Paul Simonon from The Clash or maybe even Sting. Ha!

• If you could sum up Coventry in three words what would they be?

City Of Dreams.

• Who or what are your inspirations?

Loads of stuff. Lyrically Billy Bragg, Joe Strummer, Victor Jara. We've got so many influences. Salvador Allende is a massive inspiration. From Cov Steve Ogrizovic, Clive Owen. Any of the 1987 squad are inspiring.

• Have you heard any mistruths about yourselves in the media? If so what has been the best lie you've heard?

A funny one is that me and my brother Raul were born in Chile. Our parents are from Chile but we're from here. Another good one is that I'm a smack addict. In an interview Rachel told them that and so it was printed. She was getting her own back for all the lies I tell about her.

• Do you have partners? And if so how are they coping with your rise to stardom?

We're all in relationships. It's difficult when we're away but it makes the time you have together more special.

• Who in the group gets the most attention?

Easily Rachel. People love her smiling and she laps up the attention particularly from the males.

• Any weird fans or have you been sent any strange fan letters/objects?

Ha Ha! We love all our fans and don't consider any weird :)

The best things we've received are playing cards and someone even bought us samosas. He's a legend.

• Have you ever been star struck and if so by whom?

We recently met Terry Hall and nearly died. He was very humble and down to earth. We nearly wet our pants though!

• Any celebrity crushes?

Rachel - Jeremy Paxman.

The Ripps are currently working hard in the studio and their current album "Long Live The Ripps" and other merchandise can be purchased from Coventry's Urban Village (above Kong), in The Burgess.

*Interview taken from "Feel Alive" Magazine, produced by CV One and typed up by robmacca.

The Ripps @ Kapow! Coventry

The Ripps performing new tracks @Kapow (Phoenix ,Coventry)

The Promenade Stories @ Kapow, Coventry

The Bootleg Poets @ Kapow, Coventry

Hung over but happy is how I'd describe my morning after feeling after another night out @ Kapow! in Coventry. This time around Kapow was open until 2am, which meant you had time to enjoy the bands and the alcohol. The Ripps headlined at the venue and were well supported by two other bands with Coventry connections.

The Promenade Stories are more known around Nottingham because both band members are at University there but the singer comes from Coventry. For me it was unusual to see a two piece band where you just had a drummer and the guitarist on vocals. At first I thought something might be missing but once you heard them you soon realised nothing was missing and this duo worked together well. Lots of hair couldn't help but make me think of "Cousin IT" from "The Addams Family", but I'm only jealous!

Talking of hair, the Bootleg Poets had no shortage of it and were happily playing with it on and off stage during their Libertinesque set. This band had no shortage of musicians as all five crammed on stage and gave the Cov crowd what they wanted - a night of good live music.

The Ripps were back in their beloved Coventry after what seemed an infinity away, even though it had only been a few weeks since they had performed at the Godiva Festival. Getting back to intimate gigs is what I love most and we were in for a right treat tonight as Patch, Raul and Rachel shared a whole cluster of new songs they had been working on for the new album. You can check out the videos below, but live is always best and if you missed Kapow! then get yourself down to Taylor Johns next Sunday night for more new material.

Along with the new tracks we were soon bopping along to classic Ripps numbers such as "Loco", "Holiday" and The Specials hit "Too Much Too Young". One thing that hasn't changed since The Ripps became famous is the down to earth personality of each band member. Raul is just as happy stamping peoples hands as they enter Kapow, Patch will have a fag and drink with anyone and everyone, Rachel is her usual smiling self no matter what!


The Ripps "Loco" with Patch tuning up after having to change guitars because he'd broken some strings.





The Ripps "Holiday" @ Kapow,Coventry


The Ripps - "Too Much Too Young" was the final song from the set and always a classic to close on as this Specials track reminds everyone how great Coventry is musically.


Bootleg Poets - "Follow The Leader" @ Kapow, Coventry

robmacca on his way home after another very enjoyable night out in Coventry!

The Ripps "Holiday" Launch - Coventry Colosseum

The Ripps made it another night to remember as they took the young Colosseum crowd in Coventry by storm. They were celebrating the release of their single "Holiday" and turned the room into one large party with some serious moshing as their fast and furious tunes boomed out.

Rachel bangs them out!

This was the perfect setting - in their hometown with friends in the audience and a room full of students all thinking about the coming holidays as exams come to a close. It was a chance to let off some steam and party hard.

Raul taking a joke from his brother Patch

Right from the start the crowd were behind The Ripps and wasted no time by showing them how much they liked their tunes. The room was alive with dancing and chanting and became a hot bed of sweaty bodies - this is what gigs should be made of!

The energy coming from the crowds was bouncing back to Patch, Raul and Rachel - who kept that energy alive on stage by giving a fantastic performance as they loved every minute of it.

Patch in action

There were some surprises in store for the Colli crowd as the band threw out some beach balls when they sang "Holiday" and welcomed a friend for guest vocals for their final song "Too much Too Young", a fitting close to bring SKA music back to the city it came from.

Special guest vocals during "Too Much Too Young"

Raul goes Two Tone in this hat!

Finally, Patch got a surprise of his own when his good friend Russ, flashed from the side of the stage. It was a chance for Patch to make a few jokes and it all added to the experience of a night out with The Ripps and co!

Here are a selection of videos from the night, recorded on my mobile phone from a very active mosh pit - so excuse the quality.

The Cov Colli crowd chanting with The Ripps, going mental. The band start playing their new single "Holiday" but filming is cut short as the mosh pit gets wild!

This video is "Vampires" and was recorded with lots of pushing and shoving going on behind (all adds to the fun!), after the song finishes Patch, Raul and Rachel begin shaking hands with the crowd.

The Ripps perform "Vandals" to the Cov crowd who lap it up big time.

The opening song of the night "Loco", gets the crowd going mad and sets the scene for the rest of the gig - Watch out Glastonbury 'cos The Ripps are coming!

The Ripps Rock Leamington!

Patch goes Loco!

Raul and Rachel give it some welly!

Patch goes mental........

The Ripps album "Long Live The Ripps" was released today and I was privileged to be able to pop over to Leamington Spa and watch this Coventry band live for the first time.

I wasn't disappointed as Patch, Raul and Rachel put on a fantastic performance in front of all those present at Fopp Records. Right from the start of Rachel's drum stick clicks until the end as Patch belted out his strong vocals - The Ripps proved that they not only sound great in the studio, but also sound just as great live in front of an audience.

My album arrived from HMV today so I'd not had much chance to listen before the in store performance but the catchy "Holiday" was easily recognisable and has real potential to become their next single. Raul, Rachel and Patch bring out the best in each other and looked like they get on really well off stage as well as on stage. The Ripps prove that Coventry, with all it's faults is a great place to be and a city we can all be proud of.

Watch the 30 second video clip I recorded of The Ripps performing "Loco", their opening track at the performance and also on the album:

The Ripps perform "Loco" live at Fopp Records, Leamington Spa.

The Ripps rock live.

Afterwards Raul, Rachel and Patch chatted to those who had turned up to watch them perform and it made my day when the guys recognised me from MySpace and thanked me for supporting them. Each of them then signed a copy of "Loco" on 7"vinyl, CD single and the new album and were really down to earth and friendly.

If you want to know more visit their MySpace:

http://myspace.com/theripps

You can buy the new album "Long Live The Ripps" for just £7 from Fopp records:

http://www.fopp.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/57444

Godiva Festival - The Ripps, Pictures and Videos

Patch and Raul jamming at the Godiva Festival

Patch and Rachel giving it some welly

The crowds show their love for all things Ripps

The Ripps were on top form at Coventry's "Godiva Festival" on Saturday, here are a few of the videos from their fresh performance from the Electric Tent. The home crowd loved the set and gave it their full support, with an active mosh pit and solid participation from the audience. Below is the "exclusive" first public performance of a new song The Ripps have been working on and although the band may have been over shadowed by Enemymania, let it not be forgotten The Ripps are a force all of their own and bring something very special to the music scene.




The Ripps "You Don't Even Care", this video captures the crowd in full flow as they jump around to this fast paced track.




The Ripps "Nice Guys", a non album track but one which produces enough energy from band and crowd to light up the whole of Britain!




Patch had just been talking about "Godiva Day" for the ladies (say no more!) before going into the "COV Song", a very fitting tribute to life in Coventry. The crowd are totally up for it, which isn't bad for 14:30 on a Saturday afternoon.




A totally new song by The Ripps not seen before and an exclusive for the Godiva Festival. The crowds showed their approval with some impressive clapping and moshing!

The Ripps Are Back!

Patch and Raul Ripp

The Ripps are back with a whole new sound and a brand new line up after being out of the spotlight for many months. Legends in Coventry and the originators of the "I Love Cov" t-shirts long before Rebecca Shiner went into the Big Brother house.

Brother's Patch and Raul Lagunas form part of the original band with Phil Cox (drums) and Alan Ferguson (bass) joining them to deliver the SKA influenced beats during their performance at Cox's Yard in Stratford-Upon-Avon. While many bands would compromise their lyrics for the sake of the record label, The Ripps have kept their integrity and maintained their ability to write about real life.

The Ripps @ Cox's Yard, Stratford

The Ripps pull no punches with their hard hitting lyrics and song titles to match, 'Blood On The Streets' and 'Guilty Conscience' lead the way before 'Rudeboy' took us back to their main influence - SKA. Several more tunes into the set and the lads are joined on stage by the brass section as they performed 'Daddy Was A Hero'. Mr Lagunas senior was in the audience and a fitting dedication to a father who can be proud of his kids and in response he is a hero in their eyes. The set ended with 'The People Have Spoken' and judging by the cheers and claps the people approved!

Patch and Raul Ripp

This weekend (April 25/26) will see The Ripps fulfilling one of their dreams - they share the stage with Coventry SKA legends The Specials. With two dates at Birmingham Academy and one date at Coventry's Ricoh Arena (May 15), fans are in for a musical treat. The Ripps are indeed back and this time around the sound is a lot more grown up and mature.

*see more photos HERE