I last reviewed this band three years ago and my major complaint was that the songs sounded too quiet. Not a problem this time round, as the band have turned up the amps and rock out with some style. There are plenty of choruses on this album and plenty of singalong moments and the jump between the two EPs over the space of three years is pretty admirable. They've clearly worked out what they want to do and have honed their sound to come up with something interesting and enjoyable. It doesn't re-invent the wheel but the riffs chug away nicely, the vocals are nice and melodic and everything is in the right place. She Hit Me First won't change the world but this record is a pretty good release and one worth checking out.


Posted by Paul
10:14AM, 19th August 2009

http://www.punktastic.com/reviews/3389

It might sound like a good way to preface an explanation of why we haven't released any new material in more than 2 years..

But in fact, it's the title of our upcoming full-length album!

It will be 13 songs, 8 of which are new (the other 5 are re-recordings of the songs already on myspace).

It's been a long haul.  We started recording in Februrary, and we're now in the end stages of mixing.  We can't wait to get it out there.  We'd like to have an event of some sort to celebrate the release -- possibly a listening party?

So, stay tuned, ok?!  We'll post more information as the details are finalised.

We've been working away on lots of new material that we're pretty excited about, and we're hoping to fit in a) a gig or two; and b) some recording before our drummer James relocates to New Zealand... Our new bassist Bonao is a star.

In the meantime, we've reposted the MP3s from our "Drive Like You Stole It" EP with better quality.  The lyrics are there too and they're downloadable.  Enjoy .

Makes me feel all warm inside to be in a band again!!

Ok, so me - Jimbo. What do I play? Drums. How do I play? Loud. Who are my influences? Boy bands - 3SL, Backstreet Boys, 5ive, and most definately Boys II Men (underrated artists by the way). Fave beer? Monteiths Radler (If anyone knows a bar that sells it in London, you can join me for the night and I'll pay the tab!!) And finally, fave SHMF song? Ask me after our first gig.

The band kicks ass and to be firing on all four cylinders after one rehearsal feels great so all credit to the other guys. Have a good feeling that this is gonna be a blast so hang on to your hats and watch this space.....

Jimbo

james@shehitmefirst.com

This is just a small tribute post to a guy who died this week called Martin Gilks. He was the drummer with The Wonder Stuff for those that do not know. Whilst the group were only really known by many for a quirky number 1 hit song with Vic Reeves and cross-dressing in the video for "The Size Of A Cow", there was a hell of a lot more to the band than that. A massively underrated drummer he certainly was, using complex and maverick rhythm patterns  that fitted perfectly into MH's 2min pop songs ("Ruby Horse" / "Goodbye Fatman" / "Here Comes Everyone"). Anybody who ever checked them live, and I did on probably 20 occasions, will know what an amazing live group they were. In fact when I think back now, a mutual respect for the Wonder Stuff was probably the reason why Gareth and I both became friends back in the day. They were certainly influential in me wanting to pick up the guitar and possibly G-man the bass (you will have to ask him). Our first band was actually a Wonder Stuff covers band that thrashed out "Unbearable" and other such classics in Walton Youth Club on a weekly basis. So R.I.P Martin, and thanks for inspiring me.

Suggested listening (cos MySpace appears to have not heard of them) :-
The Wonderstuff - "Eight Legged Groove Machine"

xDx

Unfortunately, as some of you may already know, Rossy left the band at the end of January. It's never nice to lose a member and particularly as none of us wanted to see him go, but we do respect that he had other stuff to do that was more of a priority to him. He does still remain our number 1 MySpace buddy though and I would personally like to thank him, not only for making me laugh (like, ALL the time!), but also for the contribution that he made with his playing. A very talented guy who deserves to find a band that he has the chance to shine in.

In the last month we have been looking at potential replacements and writing profusely. We now have at least another 5 new songs that we are in the process of recording. It has been a long and cold winter but the sunshine is once again on our backs. As soon as we are once again complete, we are really looking forward to getting out there and making a loud racket at a venue near you.

I ride my virtual skateboard clinging tightly to a passing truck ....

xDx

The nice people at Banquet Records in Kingston are currently stocking copies of our EP, available to anyone who likes the rock for a couple of quid.

The EP is called "Drive Like You Stole It" and contains the following tracks :-

Instant Perfect Life / See Things Sideways / Experience / When She Asks

xDx

Hello Everyone cheers for adding us and saying all these nice things its cool to know that people actually are kind of interested in us and that at least a few people actually meant what they said in there comment's!. We are going to be sorting some gigs out soonish so it would be nice if we could see some of you there. Anyway yeah thanks lol. Love Rossy and Kung Fu Priests xxxxx