The Rifles Announce 'Sweetest Thing' single (out January 16) and video

"Bright harmonies, brighter guitars and every classic songwriter trick in the book. As good guitar pop as you'll hear all year" NME 8/10

"Individual and rather amazing, it’s a thoroughly elated experience. In The Rifles’ world a life affirming anthem is no more than a few moments away" The Word

"Perfect - their tender and bittersweet lyrics pull hard on the heartstrings" The Sun

"Epic yet companionable - thrills and melodic cascades aplenty" The Mirror ****

"They know how to rip up the script. Excellently delivered" Artrocker

"There’s fine songcraft here, plus sweet harmonies, interlocking guitars and Beatles-esque classicism" Total Guitar

On January 16, 2012 The Rifles release ‘Sweetest Thing’. It features one Paul Weller on guitar and is the second single from their critically-acclaimed third album ‘Freedom Run’.

This hugely uplifting single sees the band at a new peak of songwriting skill and delivery. As the feverish crowd at their recently sold out Forum gig attested, ‘Sweetest Thing’ is already a live anthem and will no doubt be a festival favourite next year.

2011 has been a great year for The Rifles. With an a air of optimism and positivity bolstering the band, ‘Freedom Run’ was recorded at Paul Weller’s Black Barn studio and produced by the legendary Chris Potter (The Clash, The Stones, The Verve). It shaped up to be their most accomplished album to date: the ante was considerable upped and the band’s sound developed into something fresh and energized, but will all the hallmarks of a classic.

The Rifles then set off on a massive headline tour and sold out every venue. If all that wasn’t enough the band launched their own beer. Served cold in 330ml bottles, ‘The General’ comprises a combination of Maris Otter Pale malt and fine wheat malt, which gives the refreshing brew real zest. For further details, see www.signaturebrew.co.uk.

The video for ‘Sweetest Thing’ was created by the hotly-tipped director Ferry Gouw, the man behind recent artwork and videos forMajor Lazer, Mad Decent, Roxy Music, Simian Mobile Disco and Bloc Party.

Live dates

Thursday March 29 @ The HMV Ritz
Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5NQ, Tickets £13.50 adv / Ticket Link / 0844 847 2405

Friday March 30 @ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire (The London Weekender day 1)
Shepherd's Bush Green, London W12 8TT, Tickets: £17.00 adv / Ticket link 0844 847 2405

Saturday March 31 @ The Troxy (The London Weekender day 2)
490 Commercial Road E1 0HX, Tickets: £17.00 adv / Ticket link / 0844 847 2405