Thoroughly warmed up by Sophia Scott, the rowdy rootin’-tootin’ audience are absolutely rapturous as the Nashville-based trio that are Restless Road bound onto the stage.
Acclaimed with the accolade ‘2023 Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch,’ the boys Colton Pack, Zach Beeken, and Garrett Nichols are evidently overjoyed to be performing their headline Last Rodeo Tour here in London. As they take their places on the Lafayette stage, along with the drummer and bass guitarist, they proclaim, ‘Let’s blow it out tonight!’ — and oh my lord, that’s exactly what they do….
The immediate surge of energy is brought by their clear-as-a-bell vocals; each voice at a different pitch—tenor, baritone, and bass—each distinctive but together an unstoppable force of glorious harmony and vigor. Combined with this are their good looks; each band member with a different style—Restless Road is surely the next boy band of Country. Close harmony—characteristic yet balanced vocals with a lovely rich tone—is their vehicle for the combination of life and love experiences written and sung about, as the three take us on a journey of the band’s success, from small-town gigs onwards.
With a cry of “London—how are we feeling?” the raw energy, infectious enthusiasm, and, may we say, sexy confidence of the trio promise a thrilling wild-western drama tonight…
an unstoppable force of glorious harmony and vigor"
The setlist was a perfect blend of catchy pop hooks and country-infused anthems, primarily from their last album, the aforementioned Last Rodeo. Showcasing the versatility of the band, from upbeat energy-fueled to heartfelt ballads, each song resonated with fans on a personal level.
Opening with Bar Friends, this party-infused, fast-paced drinking song excited and enthused the audience as Colton, Zach, and Garrett leapt about the stage. Sundown Somewhere showcased the modern country sound with a rock-infused solo on the electric guitar. A capella sections within songs are close, tight, and ultimately polished, with the boys singing to the audience, occasionally singling out lucky individuals and making blistering, intense eye contact. Lights changed to bathe the stage in a pink glow as Restless Road sang Could’ve Been a Love Song before performing an arrangement of John Denver’s famous and much-loved Take Me Home, to the delight of the fans here tonight. Admittedly, we sang along too.
these boys could have sung the blessed phone book, and the audience would've gone wild"
Now, cover songs don’t always land as well as they might, but butter my biscuit, the audience just loved the covers played tonight, which included Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Someone You Loved,‘ Rascal Flatts’ ‘Bless The Broken Road,’ and Keith Urban’s ‘Somebody Like You’ (a definite highlight). Ultimately, though, they were here for Restless Road’s certain bespoke brand of catchy country pop – that effervescent blend of sheer talent for performance, compelling storytelling, and impressive vocal harmonies and gymnastics. Honestly, these boys could have sung the blessed phone book, and the audience would’ve gone wild.
Sweeter than that fabled Tupelo honey, Sophia Scott (separate review HERE) returned to the stage to sing ‘Most Nights,’ which was followed by the irresistibly catchy, rock-fueled ‘Head Over Heels,’ and the beautiful ballad ‘Headlights’.
each tune hitting the mark and this bronco buster running as smooth as a well-oiled saddle"
Tossing their picks into the roaring crowd after the final song, Colton, Zach, and Garrett strut off the stage, their spirits riding high. With each tune hitting the mark and this bronco buster running as smooth as a well-oiled saddle, they’re sure they’ve clinched this roundup in London 2024.
Last Rodeo may well be this tour’s title (undeniably, it’s not their first), but it’s obvious that the triumphant Restless Road can do no wrong and will have many, many future opportunities to showcase their unique country skills.
RESTLESS ROAD played Lafayette, London – 11th March 2024
Support from SOPHIA SCOTT
