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POPES OF CHILLITOWN are a six piece BritSka Indie band from London, forged many moons ago from the tentative beginnings of late-night jam sessions between friends. The band have burst onto the London gig scene in the past year with a host of performances at many well-respected venues, including the legendary London Astoria and Hackney Empire with Ska superstar Dave Barker.
But a straight up British Ska band they are not. Blending genres and each of the members’ influences makes for a unique sound and a breath of fresh air from generic bands that make generic music for fear of punters not “getting itâ€. A typical POPES OF CHILLITOWN show boasts soaring vocals, orgasmic guitars, sexy sax solos, banging Ska beats and chunky basslines for good measure.
The debut 4 track EP ‘BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, released November 10th 2008, is both a celebration of the band’s sound, and a critique on the branded, monitored world we live in. Songs such as the title track and ‘End ‘Em All’ denounce the advertising world for persuading their customers that their life is not complete without cheaper car insurance or that extra blade on their razor. The EP as a whole remarks on how adverts constantly provide answers to questions that nobody asked in the first place, forcing many a Pope to turn their television off forever. Artwork is provided by Linda Joy of cult contemporary arthouse La Boca.
That said, the Popes aren’t afraid just to have a rocking good time. Described by the legendary Club Ska as having “bucketloads of groove, wrapped up in Indie Ska.†POPES OF CHILLITOWN are just as likely to make you move your feet as stroke your chin.
If 2008 was the year POPES OF CHILLITOWN matured, 2009 will be the year the Vatican relocates to London…PERMANENTLY!
"Buy One Get One Free is a great track, fresh and original and the band has the tightest sharpest ska sound we've ever had on the show - it grooves like a bastard." BBC6 Introducing
"Is the Pope catholic? Well, not these ones, but they sure can hold a tune! Hailing from Ealing - Queen of West London - Popes of Chillitown are not only much more sprightly than Ratzinger, but they're better looking to boot. Attendees of the Pope's divine service can expect a heavenly portion of lite-rock accompanied by a cheeky reggae relish, all served up with a smile and a sincere veneration for never giving up on the good times." Sugarape Magazine
"Super skanking reggae-funk-rock from London... quirky, enjoyably jerky, deep and danceable bass lines ...picture The Specials hitting a rootsier vein post Libertines London swagger maybe...perfect stuff to boggie to…" www.wegotickets.com
"Top notch skanking funky Britpop." Time Out
"Stylish reggae-rock collective from Ealing mixing soft rock with dub to create a ska racket that is simply designed for a good time." Spoonfed"A band of clear potential, with some tight and catchy 'Brit-Ska', plenty of energy and enthusiasm... in a year that promises a big dose of The Specials after all these years, and a return of MadStock, could they front the rise of new, young ska bands into the mainstream?" egigs.co.uk
"a bit quirky, like really really earlyMadness gone deep reggae maybe...fab…" Bugbear Promotions
"The sound they produce is fat with a ph" UKevents.net
"Reggae informed funk tinged geezer’s delight from London… quirky but also embracing of the commercial élan of Britpop." Bugbear Promotions
"Tight as fuck." Impact
"Stylish reggae-rock collective from Ealing mixing soft rock with dub to create a ska racket that is simply designed for a good time." Spoonfed.co.uk
"Ealing's original Ska Funksters" Native Tongue
"Awesome Reggae Rock from W5" Meefo.com
"A great live band." Boar Music
"A pleasing affair." Living Atheist
"They are my camomile tea on sleepless summer eve!" Nina.
"Yes. I like it." Polish Barmaid, New Inn
Gig bookings to austen (at) popesofchillitown.com
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