Listen again: [audio:https://new.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Phoenix-FM-interview-with-Saffron-from-Republica-Paul-13-10-2010.mp3|titles=Phoenix FM interview with Saffron from Republica (Paul, 13-10-2010)]
It came as a bolt out of the blue when I heard that Republica had reformed and would be playing their first London gig for many years. I went down to check it out and also had a chat with Saffron about what they’d all been up to for the last ten years!
The gig itself picked up where they left off in 2000 – the band still providing a very tight rock/electronic sound and Saffron’s vocals were as strong as ever. The crowd seemed happy to be there too and there were quite a few celebrities in the crowd. (Probably shouldn’t mention I was standing next to Samantha Fox when I took some of these photos …)
As well as a large smattering from their two albums, Republica and Speed Ballads, there were two new songs – Suck Baby Suck and Christiana Obey, the latter of which may be coming out as a release soon.
Also supporting were half-Billericay/half-Brighton electronic duo TENEK who’ve already appeared on Phoenix FM, coming down to see David Worrall on Drive back in August. It was great to finally catch them live and their material went down equally well with the crowd who seemed familiar with quite a few of the songs! Tenek mixed Republica’s reissue of Ready To Go earlier this year and will be collaborating on future projects with them too.
To find out more about future plans for both eyes keep an eye on Republica’s website and Tenek’s website.
