There’s one reason why I keep going to Reckless Love gigs: because it’s fun. The pure and simple enjoyment of a vibrant band who thrive on their own charm and enthusiasm for what they do. But tonight, the Relentless Garage at Islington wasn’t just hosting these Finnish rockers.

The Treatment, the youngest up and coming band on Spinefarm Records, the same label as Reckless Love, were the first to hit the stage. And boy did they hit it. They looked young but confident, bursting into “Drink, Rock, Fight,” apparently unfazed by the bigger-name bands to follow. So the arrogance looked a little fake, perhaps even rather tame, but these boys had no airs and no graces and I mean it when I say they are a tight band. They rattled through tracks from their 2011 debut album including “The Doctor” and “I Fear Nothing.” Their stagecraft came across as slightly too prescribed, making me wonder if new rock bands these days have lost their independence and rebelliousness. But I have to give them credit for a great sound and a great show; they really engaged with the crowd and the singer is definitely going to turn heads with that Joel O’Keefe style voice paired with Sebastian Bach style looks. Def Leppard is mentioned in their influences but I would steer you away from that, aiming more for Airbourne and possibly even their older label brothers Jettblack. “The Party” lived up to its name while “Nothing To Lose” showed that this band never slow down entirely, even for a gritty ballad. I agree with the bassist; it was “fucking loud, sweaty and fucking awesome.”

The audience atmosphere seemed to show great anticipation for Jettblack. I’m not so sure why, as they’ve never really blown me away. Unfortunately, this time was no exception. They played one new song and it’s one to look out for, seemingly titled “Temptation” in between firing through hits from their 2010 debut Get Your Hands Dirty. There’s nothing bad about these songs but it’s always nice to have something new once in a while and we are nearly two years on. The band’s greater experience was highlighted in comparison to the The Treatment with swagger dripping off the dual guitarists/vocalists (a line-up I’ve always found adds an edge to the band) and it was primarily this duo’s show. They seemed to lack a little engagement with the crowd although the packed out Garage were quite happy to follow regardless. Competent but unexciting.

And finally, the headliners. It wasn’t a long night, indeed, Reckless Love walked onto the stage, to the rather estranged choice of The Boys Are Back in Town at 10pm and by 10.45pm it was over. Still, they brought the sound and the crowd brought the energy. Opening with Animal Attraction from the recent 2^nd album, the grinning, brightly-clad quartet delivered a confident and solid performance. Like Jettblack, it lacked innovation, but then Reckless Love’s album did only come out in September 2011 and the new songs sounded fresh and tight. Singer Olli Herman’s voice sounded rather hoarse and nasal in places, which is something I’ve noticed can occur with him. It would be wrong to say that the set was a disappointment; I just felt like I’d seen it before and perhaps I’m expecting more from a band that has previously impressed me.

JJ Lee