rhino and the ranters

Rhino and the Ranters

Rhino and the Ranters are a rock and roll group formed by Ryan Webb in London in 2009, and now based in Birmingham. They are active from 2009 to the present and are known for high-energy live performances across the UK.

Style and sound

Their music draws on cowpunk, gospel blues, roots music, rock and roll, bluegrass, rockabilly and acoustic elements. Their own description of the band’s style is “Ranter Music”, reflecting a sound that is difficult to place in a single genre. Their live delivery and stage presence build a loyal following.

Recordings

The group releases its debut album, The Hanging Room, in 2010. The album includes live favourites such as “Dr Ink”, “Radio Joe”, “Needlework” and “Hallelujah”.

Songwriting and themes

Ryan Webb writes songs that combine imagery of death, witchcraft, addiction and madness with humour, wordplay and pop-like melodies.

Line-up

The band features Ryan Webb on vocals, guitar, banjo and harmonica; Loz Kingsley on mandolin and backing vocals; Pete Hammond on drums; and Richard March on bass. Hammond is formerly a member of the post-punk group Au Pairs, while March is a founding member of Pop Will Eat Itself and one half of Bentley Rhythm Ace.

Performances and status

Rhino and the Ranters have shared bills with Roddy Radiation’s Skabilly Rebels, Hans Chew, Tom Hickox, The Urban Voodoo Machine and Mat Fraser. They develop a cult following in Birmingham.