Tuesday 02/09/03 Rufio @ Joseph's Well, Leeds

Picture the scene. a packed bar, buzzing with fans wearing newly bought Rufio t-shirts, and stood against a pillar is Rufio's drummer, claiming to be the "merch' guy". The atmosphere is amazing and yet somehow completely laid back as are the band, chilling out amongst their fans. As the crowd moves into the tiny stage room next door, the hot and now crowded venue is filled with anticipation.
It is the second show of Rufio's first UK tour and as they walk out onto the stage, they seem as excited about the whole thing as the crowd is. After making their introductions they get straight to the point, opening the set with what can only be described as a hyperactive performance of 'Countdown'. The crowd responds immediately and the band are visibly overwhelmed by their reaction, thanking their audience over and over.

Rufio slow it down for a few songs with an awesomely powerful version of the ballad-like 'She Cries', before moving onto 'Science Fiction', with which they prove that they were certainly "more than ordinary". The band seemed to be quite surprised with the size of the fan base in the UK and their keenness to get "into" them particularly after vocalist Scott "scores with a guy", (that is, a crowd surfer who steals a kiss on the cheek).

Just as everyone was beginning to think that they could do no more to impress, Rufio end the set with the almighty 'Above Me', during which kisses and hugs shared amongst the band proved that the experience had meant as much to them as it had to the crowd. But, as if that wasn't finale enough, Rufio return for a completely unexpected encore after the compelling renditions of the "Rufio" chant taken from the film Hook and was featured at the beginning of their EP. As the band decide what they will play, the crowd did become a little restless and impatient, shouting for the band to "get on with it", but it is well worth the wait.

A cover of 'Like A Prayer' is first up, and to be honest, Madonna never sounded so good! This could be followed by nothing but 'Dipshit', which had possibly been the most requested song all night. In all, Rufio proved themselves to be a rare ensemble of talent that took the UK (or at least Leeds) by storm and I think it's pretty safe to say they will return.

Photos by Dave Kent :: dave.kent@gigwise.com