Image Credit: Elle Harper (@MomentFilms_)
Lincoln’s own ‘The Rills’ returned to their roots this weekend, lighting up The Drill with a hometown show that celebrated the launch of their debut album, ‘Don’t Be a Stranger’. The trio- Mitch Spencer (guitar & vocals), Callum Warner-Webb (bass), and Mason Cassar (drums)- first captured attention during the COVID-19 lockdowns with their humorous TikToks and DIY charm. But in 2023, everything shifted when their track Bones went viral on the app, leading to a record deal with Sony’s 'AWAL'.
For years, fans had been eagerly waiting for an album- and judging by the energy in the room, the wait was well worth it.
The Rills took the crowd on an emotional rollercoaster from the moment they hit the stage. Explosive indie-rock songs like ‘Drive’, ‘Bones’, and ‘I Don’t Wanna Be’ had the crowd buzzing with electric energy. At the same time, more reflective moments like ‘Sirens’ and ‘POV’ let everyone breathe and connect on a deeper level. ‘Your Dad’s Car’ was my emotional highlight- it genuinely brought me to tears.
The night felt like a powerful hometown statement: “Hey, look how far we’ve come.” Their growth from their last EP, ‘Aftertaste’, to this debut album is undeniable. And with such a phenomenal response from the crowd, it’s clear I wasn’t the only onlooker feeling proud.
And, of course, ‘The Rills’ didn’t forget their roots- old fan favourites like ‘Pyro’ made it into the set, sending an electric vibe into the crowd.
‘Don’t Be a Stranger’ is now streaming on all major platforms, and physical copies are available at shows and via the link in their Instagram bio (@TheRillsBand).
Image Credits: Elle Harper (@MomentFilms_)