The Rifles came citing influences as venerable as The Jam and The Clash, but they left having done neither of those bands any justice.

While there’s no doubt that several of their songs were tinged with rapid-fire drum beats reminiscent of The Clash’s Topper Heddon, and some intros were homages to early Oasis, the band ultimately lacked the bite and intensity to make their tunes stand out and sustain an entire gig.

While there was nothing innately wrong with the London quartet’s performance, lead singer Joel Stoker didn’t seem to have a voice with enough depth to really make an impression and carry his songs to the audience, even in this small upstairs venue.

Maybe he should have taken some notes from a recent London gig which saw them on stage with Paul Weller for a performance of The Eton Rifles, one of The Jam’s ultimate class dirges.

That has always been a track that Weller has performed with a sneer and a touch of aggression – characteristics The Rifles would do well to adopt if they are intent on aiming their sights at the top.