The Quails

Although still making their name in the world of indie, Teignmouth-based band The Quails have amassed a big following of supporters, most of whom piled into Exeter’s Cavern Club to catch the band for the final time in 2010. Maybe it had something to do with the festive spirit but the atmosphere in the small venue was electric and the four-piece put on a dazzling performance.

The band rocked out the underground venue and showed why they had such a brilliant year in 2010, with highlights including supporting Muse at their homecoming gig and a slot at Reading festival, to name a few.

The band began with ‘That Other World’ and performed favourites from both of their albums – 2010’s Master Of Imperfection and I’ve Heard It’s All Rumours from 2009 - including ‘Fever,’ ‘Mr Right’ as well as treating the crowd to relatively new tune ‘Stargazer’. A highlight of the gig was the performance of ‘Shining Star’ which showed a completely different view of the band - revealing a more vulnerable side to lead singer Dan Steer. The encore of ‘Sally’ was a real crowd pleaser and, as people were singing along, it became clear how many dedicated supporters The Quailshave already made.

Alongside Steer, Max Armstrong on guitar, Chris Prentice on drums and Sam Banks on bass complete the four-piece, creating a really energetic and tight live performance. Although the venue was not packed, the atmosphere was incredible and intense.

It is difficult not to draw the many comparisons between The Quails and the mighty Muse – who are more renowned for hailing from the Devonshire coastal town – but The Quails were absolutely brilliant in their own right and are just as good as other, more high-profile indie bands live. The rawness, power and versatility of Steer’s voice made it stunning.

Proving it is always a good idea to arrive early to catch the support act, Morning Rush, a young five-piece from Exeter were clearly well-rehearsed and tight as a group and withtheir more poppy take on indie guitar-based sound they were the perfect warm up ahead of the main event.

Rating: 5/5
Natalie Clarke
- Southsonic

"I haven't been this excited by a new band in years. This album is dynamite"
I am a professional live sound engineer of over 30 years experience (if you want references just let me know). I have worked with just about everybody in some form or another. In recent years my position as head of sound at Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, Reading Festival and other similar events has exposed me to a vast selection of current and established artists. In my opinion, The Quails are the most exciting, dynamic, musically proficient and completely kicking band I have seen and heard in years. In Dan Steer they have the kind of songwriting talent, singer and front man that most bands can only dream about. Max Armstrong is the most proficient and committed guitarist you will hear anywhere. The rhythm section of Sam Banks and Chris Prentice is massive. The band has big ideas to match their big sound.

The selection of songs on their recent album Master Of Imperfection says it all, and this is only their second effort. On a recent tour of Australia, I played it to as many people as I could, and to a man they were all blown away, as are just about everybody else who has heard it, from artists to punters alike (I thrust this down peoples’ throats – currently listening to it are Jeff Wayne, Herbie Flowers and other musos and artists associated with the current tour I am mixing.). It prompted discussions of how Oz was lacking the kind of signature band that they have so often had in the past – INXS, Midnight Oil, Powderfinger etc, and whilst they may not be locals, The Quails have all the credentials.

I will big up The Quails for as long as it takes to get the world to recognize how great they are. I believe that there is a space left by The Killers, people are fed up with Kings of Leon, Muse have nothing more to prove and I believe that whatever is deemed to be ‘current’, there is always a huge audience for great rock music. The Quails are the band to take up that mantle.

Everybody I play their music to can’t be wrong. Get them on board, before somebody else does.

Thanks for listening!

Simon Honywill
Sound Engineer
+447976412286
simonhonywill@blueyonder.co.uk


- Head of Music Production Pyramid Stage Glastonbury

“It's not often that the bar staff at a great music venue like the Half Moon rave about a new band – come on, they've seen it all before. But that's exactly what happened last night when The Quails hit London like a category five hurricane. The five-piece blasted through a fantastic set of danceable, quirky indie pop songs that left the audience breathless and begging for more. Front-man singer/guitarist Dan Steer may look like a badly drawn boy but he sounds like the finished article and guitarist Max Armstrong stunned the crowd with some amazing chunky riffs, while every hit-you-where-it-matters song was underpinned by the tightest rhythm section outside an atomic clock, courtesy of bassist Sam Banks, drummer Chris Prentice and rhythm guitarist John foulkes. Talk about a Wall of Sound! Phil Spector, eat your heart out, because these boys sounded like Heathrow the night before a bank holiday. Teignmouth already has one band that are doing reasonably well for themselves - I think they're called Muse. But here's a tip for you: The Quails are coming, and if anybody asks you how you know, tell them a little bird told you. “ Colin Parish, Music-News.com
- Music-News.com

“Headliners of the night, were five piece, The Quails. This band's performance was so tight and professional; you couldn't fault it in anyway. They had such an ease on stage, you'd think they'd been born to perform.
Their style of indie pop with a rock edge instantly caught your attention with the power behind the music and the catchiness of the lyrics. The song 'Mr Right', instantly got in your head with lyrics like "Mr Right, going out tonight", you feel like you've known the band for years.
The ten song set kept the audience enthralled throughout. I practically fell in love with the sound of, I believe Max Armstrong's guitar. He sounded like he could break out in a guitar solo at any moment, and it wouldn't sound egotistical at all. Dan Steer’sr voice is so powerful; it fits in perfectly with the looping guitar riffs and strong beats.
This blend of music has to have you moving, these guys are so talented, you wouldn't believe. I very strongly recommend checking this band out and getting them back in Bristol as soon as we can.”
- Live Music Scene

The Quails are the perfect package. They storm the stage with their classic - rock edged indie/pop tunes and cool shoes. Visually well-styled, theya re a record company's dream and could easily be cut out and pasted onto a major festival stage. With a number of prestigious gigs and an album under their belt, it is unbelievable that The Quails remain unsigned. - Go To Magazine

“I witnessed a performance at the Riviera Centre on Saturday 8th May that would rival any of the most popular bands of today. Epic light displays, atmospheric smoke machines, and stage presence that had the audience playing puppets to Dan Steer’s (lead vocals/guitar) every command. The anticipation and excitement was genuinely very intense building up to the entrance of The Quails, which was met instantly by screaming, shouting and overly energetic jumping around. From the first song the crowd were giving everything to the performance.
My highlight of the evening was the encore song ’Shining Star’ which involved a baby grand piano being rolled on stage. This song epitomised how versatile The Quails really are, vocally, Dan pulls you in with beautifully softly sung lyrics before bursting out with a shrill rock ’n’ roll scream to shake you to your bones, and the music they produce compliments this perfectly.
The fact of the matter is, The Quails are an incredibly talented band, and are worthy of any and all the praise they have had, and are sure to get in the future. It truly is an honour to have such a prime example of great music coming from our local area.”
- Riviera FM

“...there was a real sense that this is a band ready to take the big step to headline status in their own right. From the moment they came on stage to the final encore more than an hour later, they kept a packed 1,000-strong crowd dancing and shouting for their favourite songs.
The pace never flagged throughout the set, and bass player Sam Banks and drummer Chris Prentice proved not just a great rhythm section but also suppliers of soaring harmonies. Guitarist Max Armstrong was on top form, and if a band stands or falls on the quality of its front man, The Quails should have nothing to fear. Dan Steer was in ebullient form, an engaging rabble-rouser with a fine voice and a skilful touch on guitar and keyboards.”
- Guy Henderson, Herald Express

Review of The Quails Live Performance at Glastonbury 2010
“The Teignmouth boys stole the show. And I'm not just talking about Muse. The Guardian newspaper's review of the Muse gig actually began: "The chances of anything coming from Teignmouth — or at least anything of this grandeur and magnitude — were a million to one, they said. But still, they come." But The Guardian's wrong. Because it's about to happen again.
The Quails (also from Teignmouth) at Glastonbury were billed as The Next Big Thing on the bill in the backstage Green Room. Once inside, the boys looked a bit overawed by the coolness of their surroundings (this is where performers play for other performers).
But once they overcame the nerves, they were awesome. And nobody reminds me so much of the young Muse as The Quails' guitarist Max Armstrong. His performance on Friday night was electric.
Colleen Smith, Torbay Herald Express
- Colleen Smith, Torbay Herald Express

Review of Fever
“The Quails weigh in with a moody, well built song that flits over atmospheric rock, soul indie and a patch of blues territory. ‘Fever’, also features a tremoring instrumental interlude and is the 2nd single from their already talked about album, ‘Master Of Imperfection’. It bears out the versatility of singer Dan Steer’s slightly inebriated, aching lead that can lunge out from a platform of eerily echoing backing vocals. Pace changes are quite literally feverish and the range flitting is fresh and well built up to. The Quails, with ‘Fever’ have a tune that will outlive freshers week and catch on enough to boost album sales. Dave Adair
- comfortcomes.com

“To describe the band's sound in three words I would say they were an Explosive Plume of Fervency.
I'm struck by the immediate style that The Quails have hit upon. Their opening track 'Games With The Devil' from the album 'Master Of Imperfection' has little introduction and thrusts itself into the fore. Their sound is driven by counter balancing, quenchy guitar lines that grab you hook, line and sinker. The tempos are high and upbeat, giving a modern indie rock sound. Yet with originality. The album has wonderful breaks and pauses used to masterful effect leaving you wanting more.

The concluding track - 'Transmit, Evade and Escape' is testament to the spirit of the album. The song gives classic rock chord progressions and emotional canyons with still waters that run deep. It's a warm and sincere close to a thrusting album.”

- Leeds Music Scene

“If you are in need of a competent indie rock fix, then The Quails' second album Master Of Imperfection might just be the tonic you need. The title itself must surely have been meant tongue-in-cheek as every track on the album has been polished to perfection.”
The Music Fix
- The Music Fix

"Their debut offering last year – I've Heard It's All Rumours – was impressive enough to put them on the national industry radar and win support slots with Muse.
Their follow up album, Master of Imperfection is a strong and confident contemporary indie rock collection, the album was recorded in the quirky Sawmills Studio on the banks of the River Fowey with engineer Tom Joyce and produced by sound guru Simon Honywill.
There's a plethora of meaty underlying influences evident from the off – from the Killers to the Kooks, The Darkness to Queen and even echoes of Pink Floyd. But there remains a distinctive voice that is simply The Quails. Darker, deeper and more sophisticated, it still maintains the poppy catchiness of the first album."

- Western Morning News 23 April 2010

The Quails Masters of Imperfection is an entertaining album. It cracks on at a pace delivering radio friendly pop tunes which should see the band become a fixture on the festival circuit.


- The Music Critic

“Good to see that music still has subtlety; it doesn’t happen very often these days. I was starting to believe blunt force trauma was going to completely overtake reality. Then I happened upon The Quails. I missed out on the band’s first outing but, thankfully, the guys at Best Fit were kind enough to send a copy of Master of Imperfection my way.
The Quails sport a rather wide range of influences, but they’re not as obvious as modern bands usually make it. If you look hard enough, you can find Queen (‘Shining Star,’ ‘This Town’), Iron Maiden (‘Master of Imperfection’) and The Killers (‘That Other World’) among others. Sure, the influences are clear but they aren’t obtrusive. And that’s the key to the band’s success: The band elects to channel, not copy, its heroes within its own songwriting. The rhythm section expertly glues the fantastic arrangements together. The real fun behind this band, though, is in the interplay between guitarists Dan Steer and Max Armstrong. The twin guitar chime on ‘Princess’ and the call-and-response of the title track alone add to the replay value of the album.
The album ain’t perfect, as the title suggests, but with tracks like these it doesn’t have to be.”

- The Line of Best Fit

“Instantly The Quails come straight in with a thundering and hands-in-the-air anthem, ‘Games With Devil’, which is full of catchy hooks and a big sounding chorus to boot. Indie by numbers next with ‘Princess’, which I really liked. It not only demonstrates what a powerful voice Dan Steer has, but it’s loud and sentimental in equal measures.
Then I come across ‘Fever’. One thing you have to give these guys credit for is the knack to write a catchy tune, and blimey they do it so well. A building verse laced with dub thumping bass and then this almighty crash of a chorus. Images of crowds jumping up and down in a field somewhere is what springs to mind. It then does this amazing turn of genre splicing when at the end you’re treated to this powerhouse of a solo. Is it genuine metal or are they taking the piss? Who knows and I certainly don’t care because its brilliant.
Transmit, Evade, Escape, Part II’ ends this journey and what a touching ending. A simple but effective piano ballad, that tugs on the heartstrings and leaves you wanting more.
Peter Cornish-Barlow, Never Enough Notes
- Never Enough Notes

“If a band's sophomore album is the most important (and difficult) one to produce, then maybe Devon four-piece THE QUAILS should consider sharing their secret - for a modest fee, of course. They certainly seem to have it sussed, judging by the eleven tracks on their latest LP, 'Master Of Imperfection.'As guitar-based indie bands go, these guys are right up there. Power Indie that crosses into the more widely accepted 'pop' market is a good place for any band to be - retaining credibility whilst increasing exposure and popularity.”

- Loud Horizon Sound

“The guitar soaked record is more than just another indie album – it’s a lot more versatile and challenging than what we have had on our radar for a while now. Its indie yes, but with elements of pop and a very light splashing of blues in all the right places and even a couple of sentimental numbers thrown into the mix. Melodic, catchy and significantly talented in an uncompromising attempt to create something fresh and worthwhile. A band to look out for on the 2010 festival circuit for sure.”
Entertainment Focus
- Entertainment Focus

"This is the second album from a West Country (UK) band. The first one was good and this is better. Fronted by singer-songwriter-guitarist Dan Steer, the band is now tighter and more forceful plus they have an ace up their sleeve in guitarist Max Armstrong. Although he is far from overused, his ability to pull a great solo out of the hat when required is a huge benefit. Steer has a distinctive voice, great stage presence and can craft a good tune (check out Argentina), and the ability of all members of the band has to be applauded. Highlights for us include Max's solo at the end of Fever and the hidden instrumental track, but this is a band of many parts, all of which are good" 4 stars

- Guitar Techniques Magazine

"The album showcases soaring melody lines and full-fat riffage, driven by a rhythm section as tight and well-defined as the shell on a certain small bird's egg. Brandishing an epic new sound, more deep, dark and intense than before, it is, however, not without lighter sensitive moments — plenty of well-established bands could learn a thing or two from the Quails' masterful use of dynamics and their dramatic ability to build from a whisper to a mighty roar.

- Plymouth Herald 23 April 2010