In January 1981, The Jam was riding high on the success of their critically acclaimed album "Setting Sons," which was released in late 1979. This period marked a pivotal point in their career, as they transitioned from punk sounds to a more polished, mod-influenced rock style. The live performance captured in "The Jam Live - Tales From The Riverbank" showcases the band's energetic stage presence and strong songwriting, with lead singer Paul Weller delivering incisive lyrics reflective of working-class Britain. Notably, The Jam were known for their sharp social commentary, which resonated with fans and solidified their status as one of the key bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This performance would have been just before the release of their subsequent album, "Sound Affects," which further evolved their sound and cemented their legacy in the British music scene.