Music:
Member Since: 23/03/2007
Band Website: Booking: [email protected]
Band Members:
Rook and The Ravens are represented by 'The Centrum' management.
Contact Karen Spencer at [email protected]
Influences: Not a fan of Myspace?:
"Home... and all that is encompassed by the word. It could be said that everything that has entered our collective ears and memories throughout our lives has influenced the music we write and play."
Those who influenced us the most...Neil Young, Kings of Leon, The Band, Steve Miller, The Eagles, Ben Kweller, The Stones, The Who, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, John Hiatt, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Features, Yeti, The Brothers With Different Mothers, The Travelling Band, Ten Bears, RHCP, Teenage Fanclub, Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady...
Sounds Like:
"...two Manchester groups, Rook and The Ravens and The Travelling Band, impressed with a versatility reminiscent of classic rock acts The Byrds and Traffic."
(review of Wychwood Festival performance by The Independent)"A little later in the day the tent plays host to talented Mancunian five piece Rook and the Ravens. This young Americana infused indie group are becoming regulars on the festival circuit thanks to their well crafted up-beat and remarkably versatile sound, aided and abetted by having three equally able vocalists sharing mic duties. Ranging from Coral-esque west-coast vibes to the best of indie-pop, hopefully these boys are the shape of things to come."
(review of Wychwood Festival performance by Victoria Sayce for www.gigwise.com)"or new band Rook And The Ravens, of which I knew little about but the blurb said influences Neil Young, and The Travelling Band. So I opted to see them first, and ended up staying a surprisingly long time, as they play the kind of sound that captivates me, and do indeed show the hallmarks of both their names influences."
(review of Wychwood Festival performance by Scott Williams for www.efestivals.co.uk)"Whilst Phil Spector may be taking a sabbatical from producing records for a bit, his “wall of sound†ethos lives on. Not so much as “everything plus the kitchen sink†type of drama, but the Rook and the Ravens do like a “big†sound, one that can fill every nook and cranny of a venue. On a warm spring evening like tonight, they provide sunshine pop ideal for the occasion. Then to prove they are more than a one dimensional unit, they drop into an almost C&W, bluesy even segment. Swapping vocalists dependant upon the style and feel of the number, it’s always controlled and passionate, never strained.Managing to avoid hitting each other with their instruments, they depart to an appreciative applause"
(Ged Camera, rmusic.co.uk)"What a superbly accomplished band they are. They treated us to a performance comprising material from their upcoming new album. Had it been available to buy there and then we would all have left clutching a copy. The bands offer is best described as ‘Americana’.It is currently a very popular genre and these guys are right up there with the best around. Their own material is of superb quality and sat very well with the three crowd pleasing covers from Crosbie, Stills and Nash, Neil Young and The Band. Illustrious company indeed. I look forward to owning a copy of the finished album..."
(Garry 'The Hat' for The Macclesfield Express)"Earlier tonight, the High Peak five piece, Rook and The Ravens took to the stage and performed an articulate, edgy, blistering, self-assured and diverse set.The audience willingly allowed themselves to be engulfed by the eternal fireball of classic rock that this band exist in and why not? They are, without a doubt, an inspirational and exhilarating experience."
(James Sutherland for BBC Introducing Manchester, 2008)"Think massive rock ballads split by a country blade. This is a four-piece band comprised of at least two excellent vocalists: Joe and James Fay, harmoniously effective, either one is capable of lead. In fact, they all sing. The drummer: John B. Major (you gotta be kiddin’ me) and bass player, Dave Brodie, have good stage rapport. Two alliances are at work in this band, but they flock together with precision. I like your vertical bass playing, Brodie. Lyrics are intelligent, and as real as The Girl with a Chip on her Shoulder or Van Parts Ltd (included on a quality CD with 5 tracks). Hear Me is my favourite."
(Amanda DeAngeles for Glasswerk, 2008)"We've been listening to your CD in the van all day today, it's really good!"
(John Hassall of Yeti/The Libertines, 2008)"This band are producing truly fantastic music, lyrically, vocally and instrumentally."
(Savvy Magazine, 2008) "Forget Twisted Wheel and The Courteeners... the future lies with Rook and The Ravens!"
('Guitar George' Borowski, 2008) Type of Label: Indie
