February 26th 2013:
The first new signing to Whimsical Records for several years are Edinburgh 4 piece Kung Fu Academy.
The band will release new single 'Super 8 Flashback', which features as part of a 6 track EP, out on April 15th.
Press Release:
Following the release of a successful debut recording and two years of rigorous touring around Scotland’s best venues, one of the UK’s most vital, cohesive and enthralling young bands, Edinburgh’s Kung Fu Academy, returns to the fore with the dazzling Super 8 Flashback EP.
A natural continuation from their commercially and critically acclaimed Dirty Honey EP, the rousing six-track record, released via Whimsical Records, sees the spritely quartet of Bobby Osborne (vocals/guitar), Laurence Murray (guitar), Duncan Robertson (bass) and Fraser De Banzie (drums) combine infectious funk rhythms with lush harmonies, captivating pop hooks and rollicking classic rock riffs, over the course of 24 riveting minutes. Produced and engineered by the band, and mixed and mastered by Fentek Audio’s Alex Fenton at Swanfield Studios, Super 8 Flashback boasts a clean, crisp and full-bodied vintage sound that rekindles a now-bygone golden era of DIY guitar-music.
The funky, dancefloor-friendly title track (also the lead single) goes a long way toward reviving such nostalgia, albeit with a fresh and contemporary edge, thanks to De Banzie’s solid percussion and Robertson’s reflexive, rolling basslines underpinning Murray’s retro-filtered guitar licks and Osborne’s impassioned lyrical refrain (“My flashback’s in super-8/Every frame has a picture of you”). Destined to soundtrack countless indie club nights across the country, Super 8 Flashback is a bona fide smash-hit in the waiting.
Blitzing into view at a furious pace, the unrelenting The Long Fall possesses all the hallmarks of a future chart topper; duelling guitar riffs, indefatigable ticker-tape drumming, catchy call-and-response lyrics and an irresistibly tight and boppy punk-rock structure. Other highlights include the rocking Junction and melodic Warpaint, which act as calling cards for Osborne's virtuoso guitar work (think Page, Clapton, Hendrix), while Sally manages to reconcile the disparate elements of funk, disco and soul before climaxing in a thrilling crescendo.
For those encountering the band for the first time, the seeds of Kung Fu Academy were sown while all four members studied music at Napier University. Initially thrust together by their teacher in a kismet act of serendipity for a random, one-off performance, Osborne, Murray, Robertson and De Banzie decided to act upon their undeniable chemistry and pursue their dreams of rock and roll stardom outside the realm of higher education. Their unique and memorable moniker is inspired by an in-joke around the time the boys parted ways with their original frontman, claiming they were attending kung-fu lessons while secretly rehearsing.
Proudly admitting to having played more gigs than rehearsals, Kung Fu Academy has rightly established a reputation as a formidable live act. And with tracks as strong as those on Super 8 Flashback, these Edinburgh upstarts look set to go from strength to strength in 2013.
Super 8 Flashback is released on Whimsical Records – April 15th 2013.
http://www.facebook.com/kungfuacademyoffical
http://www.whimsicalrecords.co.uk
Music Elevator PR +44(0)7941 815 059 mail@themusicelevator.com
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Monday, 21 January 2013
The OK Social Club to release debut album 'Nothing in Common' on February 4th 2013.
http://www.theoksocialclub.com
The OK Social Club release their highly anticipated debut album 'Nothing in Common' on 4th February via Platform Records. The release comes after a successful year which included the release of their first three singles 'The Shape Of Things To Come', 'The Late 90’s' and 'Gezellig'. They concluded 2012 with a slot at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street party on New Year's Eve alongside Simple Minds and The Maccabees.
The band have been featured on Soccer AM, Radio One, XFM, MTV ROCKS, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, E4 and Hollyoaks. 'The Shape Of Things To Come' was BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth show ‘Single Of The Month‘ and Steve Lamacq’s Rebel Playlist Winner on BBC 6 Music, it was also playlisted in TOPSHOP stores worldwide.
Following the album's release, The OK Social Club will return to the road for a full scale UK tour and embark on their first European dates.
Frontman Raff Eragona says "We had a year that we'll never forget, full of great times and surreal moments, I've got a feeling 2013 will be even better."
'Nothing in Common' track listing:
1. Getting Away With It
2. Little Broken Bones
3. C'mon!
4. The Shape Of Things to Come
5. Gezellig
6. Diffidence Dance
7. The Late 90's
8. She Said, You Said
9. Twisted Young Gentlemen
10. Everybody's At it
Monday, 19 November 2012
The Ok Social Club play Edinburgh's Hogmanay / New Single 'Gezellig'
The Ok
Social Club are undoubtedly one of Scotland's brightest
young bands. Formed in the summer of 2011, the 4-piece draw from a diverse
range of influences from 50's girl groups to 70's punk, exhibiting guitar
driven foot stomping rhythms and unforgettable hooks.
2012 has seen the
release of the band’s first two singles The Shape Of Things To Come
and The Late 90’s which have won them praise and exposure via the
likes of Soccer AM, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth show ‘Single Of The
Month‘, MTV, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Hollyoaks, Steve Lamacq’s Rebel
Playlist Winner on BBC 6 Music, and playlisting
in Topshop stores worldwide including 10 weeks in the New York store.
The Daily Record said of their debut single “If they
can stay this good they are Scotland’s next big band.”
Their first Scottish tour
has included sold out shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow and has helped The OK
Social Club build a following all over the country.
2013 is gearing up to be an exciting year for the band,
with the release of their debut album Nothing In Common along
with a full-scale UK tour.
Preceding that, as a further taster for the album a new single 'Gezellig' is released on December 17th, and to round off a highly
successful 12 months, the band are to perform at Edinburgh's legendary Hogmanay
celebrations. Front-man Raff Eragona says "We're excited to be part of the biggest New
Years Eve party in the world, we're very proud to be representing new Scottish
music and if everyone's as up for it as we are, it's going to be some
night!".
New single 'Gezellig' is released December 17th on Platform Records in association with James Watt College label Clydebuilt Records.
http://musicelevatorpr.amazingtunes.com/tunes/155009
The Ok Social Club play Edinburgh's Hogmanay on The Waverley Stage from 8pm. Other
acts include The Maccabees.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
The Ok Social Club to play Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2012/13
The Ok
Social Club are undoubtedly one of Scotland's brightest
young bands. Formed in the summer of 2011, the 4-piece draw from a diverse
range of influences from 50's girl groups to 70's punk, exhibiting guitar
driven foot stomping rhythms and unforgettable hooks.
2012 has seen the
release of the band’s first two singles The Shape Of Things To Come
and The Late 90’s which have won them praise and exposure via the
likes of Soccer AM, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth show ‘Single Of The
Month‘, MTV, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Hollyoaks, Steve Lamacq’s Rebel
Playlist Winner on BBC 6 Music, and playlisting
in Topshop stores worldwide including 10 weeks in the New York store.
The Daily Record said of their debut single “If they
can stay this good they are Scotland’s next big band.”
Their first Scottish tour
has included sold out shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow and has helped The OK
Social Club build a following all over the country.
2013 is gearing up to be an exciting year for the band,
with the release of their debut album Nothing In Common along
with a full-scale UK tour.
But just before that, and to round off a highly
successful 12 months, the band are to perform at Edinburgh's legendary Hogmanay
celebrations. Front-man Raff Eragona says "We're excited to be part of the biggest New
Years Eve party in the world, we're very proud to be representing new Scottish
music and if everyone's as up for it as we are, it's going to be some
night!".
The Ok Social Club play The Waverley Stage from 8pm. Other
acts include The Maccabees.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
DEAD SEA SOULS - Reviews of album 'WE WERE ALWAYS ELECTRIC' incl new single 'TRENDSETTER'.
(DAILY RECORD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Managing to pack the strength of their live shows on to the frailty of a compact disk, Dead Sea Souls debut sounds like a grenade going off beside your head. We Were Always Electric jumps, jives and is forever changing – creating a collection of songs that not only excite but keep you perpetually off balance for its dizzying 40 minutes.
After a waltzing intro jam the album opens up into the behemoth that is ‘Trendsetter’. Deceptively anthemic, lead singer Gary Burns’ vocals come dripping in equal measures of passion and venom. A return volley against another band’s criticism of the West Lothian four-piece, the stinging chorus of “I’m so sorry that I don’t dress the way you like/I’ll never be in NME/And I’m not worthy of your time” is a broadside against the posers and phoneys that the Scottish music scene attracts in their droves. Safe to say the Dead Sea Souls had the last word here.
The only criticism of ‘Trendsetter’ could be that it casts a long shadow; taking the sting out of the following few tracks. However things are once again heading skywards on ‘Six’. More a refined 21st century ballad than supercharged riot, its restrained riffs and pulsating drums demonstrates a level of finesse on top of the band’s palpable power.
Next track ‘Young Team’ acts as a charming foil to this slice of solemnity, sounding delightfully juvenile and showing that they are a band with a song for every occasion. Jangling vocals and funky guitars breeze their way through this short interlude before it’s back to the bread and butter of indie rock on ‘New Vibe’.
Album closer ‘Danny Bell’ kicks off like a South American carnival – all trumpets and chants – before returning to Burns’ swinging vocals. Its ska beats leave the album on a particularly high note as the band metaphorically dance off into the distance.
We Were Always Electric is an album that spans genres and should have something to keep everybody entertained. Bristling with energy and exuberance, it is a listening experience that will only be enhanced by seeing the band in the flesh.
We Were Always Electric is out now http://deadseasouls.bandcamp.com/album/we-were-always-electric
http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2012/10/album-review-dead-sea-souls-we-were-always-electric/
Dead Sea Souls (of West Lothian, Scotland) have developed quite a reputation for their powerful, anthemic live performances.These guys put everything into their live shows and their unique flavor of indie power pop disco funk is a ride you don’t want to miss.
Recently being picked up by Platform Songs Publishing, these guys are quickly gaining momentum. Listen and watch the video for their new single, Trendsetter, below (off of We Were Always Electric).
Dead Sea Souls deliver energetic, upbeat, funky tunes reminiscent of Twin Atlantic or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Every song delivers that rush of energy you feel on Friday after a long week at work.These guys have been selling out shows across Scotland. It’s only a matter of time before they cross the borders.
via the band's bio:
Dead Sea Souls have built a huge following on all social media site’s and an ever growing mailing list, which has helped them play with an ever loyal following in all of the major venue’s throughout central Scotland. Support slots to the likes of The Sunshine Underground, The View, Ocean Colour Scene, Stornoway and many others shows that all of Scotland’s music promoters know they can turn to the Dead Sea Souls to deliver an outstanding live show.
There you have it folks. Don’t sleep on Dead Sea Souls.
Now, if you don’t mind, I will commence to rocking out at full volume!
http://www.midtnmusic.com/dead-sea-souls-want-you-to-realize-we-were-always-electric/
West Lothian skanking. And some very knowing lyrics about the cynicism and snobbery of the music scene, especially at the unsigned end of things. One for fans of Twin Atlantic's high-energy riffery. (THE LIST)
---------------------------------------------------
“We Were Always Electric” is, undeniably, a stellar album, representing a tremendous offering from the Dead Sea Souls. Especially in terms of its accessibility and the consistency with which it displays quality musicianship and meaningful lyrics. Gary Burns’ wonderfully melodious vocals and bass playing are complemented expertly by James Sweeney’s mastery of the guitar, Colin Sneddon’s great six-string performances and David Clark’s rhythmic drum beats. It is understandable then, that all of the album’s 10 tracks are excellent, and are not let down by any pointless `filler’ tracks.
Particularly emotional and heart rendering tracks include; “Trendesetter,” “Raincoat,” the stunningly haunting “Six,” where Gary Burns’ vocal exceeds all expectations, “New Vibe” and the very danceable mover, “Cagefighter.”
The Dead Sea Souls appear to have significantly stretched the indie musical boundaries with this release, managing to encapsulate an earnestness and emotiveness together with a polished production that many indie bands rarely achieve.
While the album retains the band’s raw edge, especially through hard-hitting songs such as “My Problem” and the upbeat “Punk B-Side”, it also introduces a wealth of songs based around beautiful vocal harmonies and soaring melodies. The moving “Six” illustrates this point perfectly, as it stands as the most poignantly beautiful five minutes on this album and anything else I’ve heard this entire year.
Notwithstanding their melodic edge, the band never sink into a soppy, dull rock act. Even the album’s most tender moments either maintain a degree of intensity or are balanced out by more unrefined moments, culminating into an aurally appealing contrast.
All in all, after careful consideration of the album’s 10 superb songs, I would have to say that “We Were Always Electric” is a rocking, lyrically-rich, orchestral monster of an album that is home to some of the most powerful, uplifting pop-rock vocals, guitar riffs and rhythmic hooks I have heard, to date this year.
The album attains five stars from me, just for the song “Six,” alone; added to “Cagefighter” and its fellow 8 stand-out tracks, this album is easily worthy of so much more than just the five stars allowed.
Do your record collection a favour and be the envy of your friends, by not missing this excellent album by the Dead Sea Souls. Buy it now!
http://jamsphere.com/reviews/dead-sea-souls-we-were-always-electric-a-monster-of-an-album
---------------------------------------------------
Continuing the worldwide search for great music has led me to some interesting places. The truth is that there is phenomenal music in every country if you take the time to look for it. Today we ventured into the unheralded country of Scotland to find the next great alternative rock band. What we found was the Dead Sea Souls.
Hailing from West Lothian in Central Scotland, Dead Sea Souls has built themselves up as the go to rock band to support the largest acts playing in the country. They are known for their high energy performances and their crowd engaging anthems. Their sound is hard to pin down as it has elements of alternative rock mixed with dashes of funk, indie rock, and even disco. The band consider themselves working class heroes and try to bring that Friday night after work feeling to each of their shows. Lead singer Gary Burns says “we are mainly a band that puts everything into our live performances and we believe we have delivered exactly that on this upcoming album, with a few extra special treats”.
Now the Dead Sea Souls are ready to introduce themselves to the world with their debut album, We Were Always Electric, on Big Rock Candy Records. The energy transfers well to the album on songs like ‘My Problem’ and ‘Punk B-Side’. Bouncy alt-rock songs that are sure to make a crowd move. Dead Sea Souls are able to slow it down as well with the heartfelt ‘Six’. Burns really shows off his vocal skills on this one. If I had to compare them to another band I would lean towards The Hives or fellow Scots Franz Ferdinand. The highlight track of the album has to be the lead single ‘Trendsetter’. The song grabs the listener right away with its sing along feel. The song is raw energy from start to finish. It is also has some real meaning to the band as a reaction to the exclusivity of the local band circuit in Scotland.
Bottom line: We Were Always Electric by Dead Sea Souls is a great overall record that could fit in well with any alternative rock playlist. Go check them out for yourself at:
And give the record a listen at:
http://indiebandguru.com/dead-sea-scrolls-the-search-for-great-alt-rock-from-scotland-is-complete
----------------------------------------------------
The Scottish roots of the Dead Sea Souls are evident in their debut album We Were Always Electric: irresistible, charming and vibrant. The instant hook of their intro track is enough to get your toes tapping and ears listening, awaiting the vocals to kick in but totally content with just the instruments.
Upbeat and with a slight hint of ska in the jagged guitar riffs, single ‘Trendsetter’ is a sure-fire hit. What’s more, the energy of the track in fun. ‘You wouldn’t know one if it smacked you in the face my friend’ as just one of the brilliantly blunt but charismatically sung lyrics. The rolling ‘r’s’ of the Scottish drawling vocals are perfect, adding something different to the band.
Highlight ‘My Problem’ demonstrates this in all its glory. When you listen you can imagine exactly what the band would be like live, idea for summer festivals of gigs that brighten those winter days.
Their tracks are tunes you can dance to, at a gig or in your room – depending on your preference. With a quicker paced rhythm than the likes of Twin Atlantic, this idiosyncrasy gives the band an advantage that should see them go far. * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
DEAD SEA SOULS sign to Platform Songs
A brand new signing to Platform Songs Publishing, DEAD SEA SOULS have quickly become one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish gig scene, having played across the country delivering an energetic and anthemic performance. The band are now set to release their new single ‘Trendsetter’, the second track to be lifted from their debut album ‘We Were Always Electric’, on Big Rock Candy Records.
Descending from West Lothian, you could compare their vocal sounds to that of Twin Atlantic, and it’s not hard to hear an influence from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, with the upbeat guitar a prominent feature of the DSS sound. This mixed with their unique spin, makes for some melodious high-powered tunes.
‘Trendsetter’ is a prime example of their raw talent. The track starts with some sing along interjections, the guitar and drums in sync to make a fun and bouncy track. The song also has some real meaning behind it, focusing on the judgements made on the competitive band circuit. Lead singer and bassist Gary Burns says: “Writing ‘Trendsetter’ was a reaction to some pretty unfair criticism from another band. The unsigned circuit is an amazing place to see bands and make lasting friendships but it can also be a competitive environment! The song itself is I suppose … a protest against the exclusive nature of aspects of our music scene. The band in question came to play a hometown show of ours and passed judgement on our style and fanbase, blatant snobbery! The song came together very fast, and the groove was a natural thing for the band. The final lyric (maybe a bit aggressive on reflection) references a fellow West Lothian artist and songwriter, Ewan Butler.”
‘We Are Always Electric’ takes Dead Sea Souls up to the next level on the circuit, with their fun melodies, energy, and hooks. Gary Burns says: “The album is a real mix of material for us. Some songs have existed in one form or another for a number of years and others were written weeks before going into the studio! We really went for it on the dance front. We are all massive fans of real dance music and it’s pretty well reflected in the album overall. The general idea we were trying to put across is that we are a fun band. We like to make upbeat music but try to think about the lyrics and how the song comes across in melody and groove. The goal is to make you dance, simple as that.”
The album features a blend of upbeat dance, indie, and alternative music. The track ‘Danny Bell’ provides a mix of horns and bass, its ska punk vibes make it the perfect festival skanking track. There is no need to stop dancing to this album - even ‘Scenester’ starts as a slower track, but progresses towards a great dance beat. There really isn’t a single track on the album that you can’t sing and dance along too, as every chorus has fantastic brash melodies. Gary Burns also says of their debut long-player:
“We are immensely proud of our album, it is produced in a way which is true to how we perform. Meaning we can always back up this material when we are on stage, which is the whole point after all!!”
Dead Sea Souls have spent much of the last year perfecting their phenomenal live act, with sell out shows across Scotland. They are currently promoting the single and album with a string of dates - check website for details.
The single 'Trendsetter' is released on November 5th 2012.
(Victoria Purcell, September 2012)
http://facebook.com/deadseasouls http://twitter.com/deadseasouls http://deadseasouls.com
Descending from West Lothian, you could compare their vocal sounds to that of Twin Atlantic, and it’s not hard to hear an influence from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, with the upbeat guitar a prominent feature of the DSS sound. This mixed with their unique spin, makes for some melodious high-powered tunes.
‘Trendsetter’ is a prime example of their raw talent. The track starts with some sing along interjections, the guitar and drums in sync to make a fun and bouncy track. The song also has some real meaning behind it, focusing on the judgements made on the competitive band circuit. Lead singer and bassist Gary Burns says: “Writing ‘Trendsetter’ was a reaction to some pretty unfair criticism from another band. The unsigned circuit is an amazing place to see bands and make lasting friendships but it can also be a competitive environment! The song itself is I suppose … a protest against the exclusive nature of aspects of our music scene. The band in question came to play a hometown show of ours and passed judgement on our style and fanbase, blatant snobbery! The song came together very fast, and the groove was a natural thing for the band. The final lyric (maybe a bit aggressive on reflection) references a fellow West Lothian artist and songwriter, Ewan Butler.”
‘We Are Always Electric’ takes Dead Sea Souls up to the next level on the circuit, with their fun melodies, energy, and hooks. Gary Burns says: “The album is a real mix of material for us. Some songs have existed in one form or another for a number of years and others were written weeks before going into the studio! We really went for it on the dance front. We are all massive fans of real dance music and it’s pretty well reflected in the album overall. The general idea we were trying to put across is that we are a fun band. We like to make upbeat music but try to think about the lyrics and how the song comes across in melody and groove. The goal is to make you dance, simple as that.”
The album features a blend of upbeat dance, indie, and alternative music. The track ‘Danny Bell’ provides a mix of horns and bass, its ska punk vibes make it the perfect festival skanking track. There is no need to stop dancing to this album - even ‘Scenester’ starts as a slower track, but progresses towards a great dance beat. There really isn’t a single track on the album that you can’t sing and dance along too, as every chorus has fantastic brash melodies. Gary Burns also says of their debut long-player:
“We are immensely proud of our album, it is produced in a way which is true to how we perform. Meaning we can always back up this material when we are on stage, which is the whole point after all!!”
Dead Sea Souls have spent much of the last year perfecting their phenomenal live act, with sell out shows across Scotland. They are currently promoting the single and album with a string of dates - check website for details.
The single 'Trendsetter' is released on November 5th 2012.
(Victoria Purcell, September 2012)
http://facebook.com/deadseasouls http://twitter.com/deadseasouls http://deadseasouls.com
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