Music
Press
Friday 8th February 2008
Free entry to the Concorde 2 on a Friday night will always draw a large crowd and tonight's crowd couldn't have been a more varied bunch. After being kept outside while an early show was cleared, everyone piled in and was soon dancing merrily in the main room.
However, it was when Brighton's Astro-Physics burst on stage with '24 hour MC' that things really got interesting. MC's Skilf and Deep Blak grabbed the crowd's attention instantly with an obvious chemistry that allows them to bounce off each other and create a dominating stage presence.
Follow-up 'Lightweight' involved the crowd even further, prompting mass arm waving during the sing-a-long chorus. Next came 'Rain Rain', a laid-back Skilf tune (from solo album 'Original Visions') which brought the tempo down (for the first half of the song anyway). The re-worked live version saw bassist Steve Rainbow produce a bassline so heavy it didn't seem possible to be coming from a guitar. Seconds later, the rest of the band kicked into a drum and bass rhythm that showcased an unbelievable dexterity between the members. The energetic performance had, by this point, whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
The ability of the group to fuse hip hop, d&b and funk and to switch between them meant that there was something for everyone and every tune had the crowd going crazy. The atmosphere was so party-like that by closing tune 'Raw' the band were happy to share the stage with a group of dancers from the crowd. Drummer Martin Deering even managed to hold together a beat while being fed beer by one enthusiastic party-goer. Buoyed by their free entry, the gathered crowd was already in a good mood but it was the surprising, tight and original set from Deep Blak, Skilf and Astro-Physics that turned the atmosphere electric.
With an EP due out in a few weeks and a proven ability to rock a party, Astro-Physics are a band worth following, and XYZ certainly will be.
- XYZ Magazine
Discography
Astro Physics EP - streaming on Bebo, facebook, myspace, played regularly on Juice FM/Radio Reverb
Astro Physics - Drifting (album) sold several hundred copies at gigs.
Skilf - debut album "Original visions"
(Clandestine Cultivations 2007)
Skilf - New single "Slow Me Down (feat Michelle Ericsson)" (Riztone Records 2008) - received much airplay (Radio one, Juice FM, etc) and press coverage.
New Astro-Physics E.P "Big Bang Theory" will be released in the forthcoming months through 'in house' label Riztone Records.
Photos
Bio
Astro-Physics are one of the most innovative and original new bands to join the UK music scene. They have developed their sound and perfected their stage show injecting energy and soul into every performance. with an ever expanding local and national fanbase, Astro-Physics have big plans for 2009...
Astro-Physics have supported a number of artists such as: Pendulum, Taio Cruz, Dan Le Sac VS Scroobias Pip, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Sway, Skinnyman, Blacktwang, Kidz in the Hall, and more.
The band have two front men: Skilf and Deep Blak, two highly acclaimed rappers who are renowned for their magical blend of intricate lyrics and dynamic performances. Skilf was originally a drum 'n' bass MC and Deep Blak was heavily influenced by various oldskool rappers of the 80's, through their contrasting styles they have carved out a niche and struck a perfect balance between the old and the new.
The four other members - Steve Rainbow, Will Gardner, Andrew Middleton and Martin Deering all met while studying music at university and are well trained in Classical, Jazz and Contemporary styles. Their influences include: James Brown, Courteney Pine, Tower Of Power, Jurassic 5, The Roots, DJ Format, Muse, Roni Size, The Prodigy and Jamiroquai amongst others.
When performing, their experience and fluidity shines through complementing Skilf and Deep Blaks barrage of lyrics. There is a solid chemistry between the musicians and the MCs, it is very apparent that they are a band oppose to rappers with hired backing. It is this essence, this love of music, that continues to push Astro-Physics to new heights.
Astro-Physics are a fresh alternative to the current influx of 'samey' indie bands, they have universal appeal and are able to entertain any audience. Their fundamental ethic of 'looking outside the box' has established Astro-Physics as a gifted collective with a sound that is constantly evolving.
Links
