Kassoma

Kassoma is a newly formed band from Manchester and really struck a chord with me as their blend of melodic, catchy rock was addictive and very moreish. The guitar simply bristled with high octane riffs and cascading melodies and for me that really set the scene.

Mike did a solo at one point, that was crisp and absorbing in delivery, to be honest, I could have listened to their set again.

Each track was sculpted in the same vein with plenty of memorable chords and superb lyrics – although not usually a band I would go for, tending to go for the more extreme metal, but these guys have talent and that is clearly visible as well as audial and as a new band on the scene for a debut gig they clearly shone and I hope they will be coming back to Liverpool to play as they really do clearly have that something special.


Check out their new debut single ‘Control’ which is already receiving a lot of attention.

9½ /10

Set List:
All Our Lovers
Headlights!
Again and Again
Arrows
In your Hands
Holding Knives
Control
These Eyes
Oxygen

Members:
James Moon - Vocals / Guitar / Piano
Mike Johnson - Guitar / Vocals
Nathan Gibbons - Bass / Vocals
Luke Williams - Drums - Pagan Hel

It’s hard to believe that these guys have only been together since January, as already they have crafted a unique and fitting sound that could quite easily put them up to chart level. There mixture of anthemic hooks and atmospheric underlay show just how talented these guys are. With their debut single being mixed and mastered by the likes of Simon Cullwick and Robin Schmidt this looks to be a band that has eyes on them already, so hopefully it won’t be long till we see a lot more of them! - stop0play0listen

It’s hard to believe that these guys have only been together since January, as already they have crafted a unique and fitting sound that could quite easily put them up to chart level. There mixture of anthemic hooks and atmospheric underlay show just how talented these guys are. With their debut single being mixed and mastered by the likes of Simon Cullwick and Robin Schmidt this looks to be a band that has eyes on them already, so hopefully it won’t be long till we see a lot more of them! - stop0play0listen

This band has me under ‘Control’!
As i’ve been moving further afield from my ‘homebase’ of music that is Liverpool, I have wandered into the loving arms of the Manchester music scene. Kassoma are just one of the new bands that has piqued my interests. Their single ‘Control’ has top 10 written all over it, a great mix of guitars and haunting vocals which make this song both unique, and yet totally fitting in with whats in the charts right now. The video is also stunning and very atmospheric, I have posted it further down the blog if you have missed it so far.

All the songs that i’ve heard from Kassoma have been instant hits for me, so much so that if they were to bring out an album tomorrow, I’d be there buying it straight away. I can’t wait to see them play live, which I already have scheduled in my diary in July, and I’m sure they are going to deliver something special.

I predict that I will shortly be coming back here and saying how awesome this band is once I have seen them live, and trust me, Kassoma are a name you are going to want to remember!
- A Bloggers Thoughts...

You know you've attended a gig that's made an impact when afterwards, despite you're early start, you find yourself tucked up in bed in a good mood while your are ears ringing to high heaven. Playing at popular Manchester music venue 'The Ruby Lounge' last Friday, alternative/rock quartet Kassoma had clearly intended to make their debut show an impressive one, and ensure that their entrance into the Manchester music scene was not easily forgotten.

untitled

Kassoma are based in Manchester and draw their inspiration from the likes of Editors, Oasis and foals. Although they only formed in January of this year and are yet to release their debut single, the band seem to have drummed up a fair share of interest on various social networking sites, including YouTube where the video for their single 'Control' can be found.


Main support for the night came from fellow Manchester based band Freedom Of The City. Although they were somewhat heavier than the first support band Cold Committee, it seemed as though this was what the crowd required to perk them up and ready them for the main act. With songs lively enough to encourage dancing teamed up with their infectious energetic stage presence, it was clear to me that Freedom Of The City were rightfully deserving of main support.

As the night progressed and the alcohol flowed freely, the crowd were successfully psyched up and began to gather around the stage impatiently waiting for Kassoma to begin their set. The band took to the stage slightly late but nothing too much to complain over and began with 'All Our Lovers', a musically flawless and straight to the point opener that gave the audience a hint at what else was to come. The set list for the night also included 'Headlights', 'Again and Again', 'Arrows', 'How Long Must We Climb?', 'Holding Knives', 'In Your Hands', 'Ghosts', the bands single 'Control', 'These Eyes', Daft Punk cover 'Get Lucky' and 'Oxygen'.

Kassoma certainly already have elements of the stereotypical attitude down which is occasionally associated with successful up and coming rock bands. As lead singer James Moon exclaimed "This is the part where I smash my guitar over his [Luke Williams, drummer] drums!" we all saw a little piece of the bands laid back, playful attitude which did nothing but help us appreciate the masterminds behind the music even more.

I would have no reservations in saying all of the bands' set that I was lucky enough to experience was exceptional, and it's easy to predict just how much of a competitive threat this band have the potential to become within the industry, stage presence and musical ability alike. The guitar solo's were some of the best I've heard in a long time, enough to keep you mesmerised let alone beyond anything you could imagine from a band who haven't even hit the 6 month mark.

Taking a second to glance around the room, I realised that there was clearly not a specific 'type' of audience enjoying the show. As far as a mixed crowd go and as much as I could gage from their reactions, Kassoma received a positive response from everyone no matter what their age. This ability to appeal to a wide audience live and recorded helps knock this band up a notch or two above others.

Unfortunately last train home called and we had to make a quick exit mid set. Although regrettably I didn't get to witness it, I can only imagine what the band pulled out of the bag to finish up one hell of a debut show. With good reviews all around from those I spoke to, and looking at how far they have come in the last 5 months alone, it is clear that Kassoma are definitely ones to watch out for. Who knows where they will find themselves in the near future, watch this space!

- See more at: http://www.neverenoughnotes.co.uk/2013/06/live-kassoma-dry-bar-manchester-7-6-13/#sthash.R2EKDqeW.dpuf - Never Enough Notes

You know you've attended a gig that's made an impact when afterwards, despite you're early start, you find yourself tucked up in bed in a good mood while your are ears ringing to high heaven. Playing at popular Manchester music venue 'The Ruby Lounge' last Friday, alternative/rock quartet Kassoma had clearly intended to make their debut show an impressive one, and ensure that their entrance into the Manchester music scene was not easily forgotten.

untitled

Kassoma are based in Manchester and draw their inspiration from the likes of Editors, Oasis and foals. Although they only formed in January of this year and are yet to release their debut single, the band seem to have drummed up a fair share of interest on various social networking sites, including YouTube where the video for their single 'Control' can be found.


Main support for the night came from fellow Manchester based band Freedom Of The City. Although they were somewhat heavier than the first support band Cold Committee, it seemed as though this was what the crowd required to perk them up and ready them for the main act. With songs lively enough to encourage dancing teamed up with their infectious energetic stage presence, it was clear to me that Freedom Of The City were rightfully deserving of main support.

As the night progressed and the alcohol flowed freely, the crowd were successfully psyched up and began to gather around the stage impatiently waiting for Kassoma to begin their set. The band took to the stage slightly late but nothing too much to complain over and began with 'All Our Lovers', a musically flawless and straight to the point opener that gave the audience a hint at what else was to come. The set list for the night also included 'Headlights', 'Again and Again', 'Arrows', 'How Long Must We Climb?', 'Holding Knives', 'In Your Hands', 'Ghosts', the bands single 'Control', 'These Eyes', Daft Punk cover 'Get Lucky' and 'Oxygen'.

Kassoma certainly already have elements of the stereotypical attitude down which is occasionally associated with successful up and coming rock bands. As lead singer James Moon exclaimed "This is the part where I smash my guitar over his [Luke Williams, drummer] drums!" we all saw a little piece of the bands laid back, playful attitude which did nothing but help us appreciate the masterminds behind the music even more.

I would have no reservations in saying all of the bands' set that I was lucky enough to experience was exceptional, and it's easy to predict just how much of a competitive threat this band have the potential to become within the industry, stage presence and musical ability alike. The guitar solo's were some of the best I've heard in a long time, enough to keep you mesmerised let alone beyond anything you could imagine from a band who haven't even hit the 6 month mark.

Taking a second to glance around the room, I realised that there was clearly not a specific 'type' of audience enjoying the show. As far as a mixed crowd go and as much as I could gage from their reactions, Kassoma received a positive response from everyone no matter what their age. This ability to appeal to a wide audience live and recorded helps knock this band up a notch or two above others.

Unfortunately last train home called and we had to make a quick exit mid set. Although regrettably I didn't get to witness it, I can only imagine what the band pulled out of the bag to finish up one hell of a debut show. With good reviews all around from those I spoke to, and looking at how far they have come in the last 5 months alone, it is clear that Kassoma are definitely ones to watch out for. Who knows where they will find themselves in the near future, watch this space!

- See more at: http://www.neverenoughnotes.co.uk/2013/06/live-kassoma-dry-bar-manchester-7-6-13/#sthash.R2EKDqeW.dpuf - Never Enough Notes

"Manchester's Kassoma has had us up on our feet, enlightening the streets and locations that we have driven around, had people remark with anxious bated breath on how they love the new sound and asking where they can get the single." (Marcus De Storm - Dark Tower) - Marcus De Storm - Dark Tower