Celluloid are one of those few bands who seem to have discovered that
hallowed ground where accessible and experimental music co-exist.
Eminently listenable, killer hooks and post-rock overtones are
embedded into unsettling electronica soundscapes and at the heart of
it all are deeply personal human songs full of pain and wonder.
Essentially a writing/production team Ezer Jenkins and Matthew Devenish meet and share ideas through the common denominator of
channelled anarchy. Both Have kicked against but have been informed by
their respective backgrounds which generates a kind of Intellectual
delinquency in their music. With this ethos in mind it comes as no
surprise that one of their spin off projects involved collaborating
with one of the last surviving poets of the beat movement Dick McBride.
Live performance sees the addition of guitarist Mark Westwood to form
the nucleus of the Celluloid sound which expands to include other
musicians to suit the musical environment.
This philosophy has extended to the recording studio with the same
nucleus being augmented by the esoterics of such artists as Anna Palm
and Andy Garbi.
Forged from 10 years of research and development - Celluloid is not a
collaboration but a collision of visions – but one that has been
slowed down before impact. That in essence, is the Celluloid sound -
you know you’re about to be torn apart but you can’t help thinking
how beautiful those shards of glass are before they strike.
A post-punk experience of passionate and emotive songs combined with spare unsettling soundscapes.
Sound, Ideas, Pictures, Pain, Wonder, Song.
Tired of the Humdrum
Sick of the Superficial
Embrace the emotional and diverse Sound
Bathe yourself in the intensity
Wire-walking bruised and battered post-rock.
Celluloid Reviews -
Blueprints - The Production team of Matthew Devenish and Ezer Jenkins arise to release a work of introspection and dark hues founded on extraordinary writing and masterful engineering. Shades of late 70's Peter Gabriel find a home with the experimental fringes of Joy Division to provide a bleak but fascinating world, laced with tinkling highs and disconcerting quietness. Brave and mind-altering the duo have already been aired on Radio 3's Late Junction and regional BBC radio, and are sure to continue garnering attention for such exploratory material. Standout track: Fear of Flying for its Banshees' step-up-to-the-plate guitar and illustrative madness on the edge.
Keith Ames Musician Magazine
I think what Celluloid is doing is great.It makes me think of Joy Division as it might be re-interpreted by someone on Warp. Spare, haunting, hypnotic soundscapes with an unsettling doomy edge.
James Delingpole Sunday Telegraph Music critic.
Ooh, this is a bit good, a league above most demo’s I’ve heard recently. Like Elbow with more electronic noises, or The Specials with a hint of Post-Punk. I tell you this because, to quote Lemar, if there’s any justice in the world, these three blokes will be household names in the not too distant future.‘Token’ from Celluloid is immediately likeable yet grows on you more and more with each listen. It’s not just a bit good, it’s a bit special. Oh, if only there was any justice in the world…
Liam McGrady God is in the T.V Cultural Webzine
Token - A rather warm interesting restrained inviting mix of left field Kissing The Pink 80’s flavoured New Romantic edginess and wire-walking bruised and battered post-rock. Very well produced and recorded, excellent vocals, a full room where you still feel alone. Well worth your time, don’t blink and cut and paste and sever - go investigate.
Organ Records Organ Art website review
Celluloid Airplay - BBC 6 Music Tom Robinson Fresh on the Net. BBC Radio 3 Late junction. BBC H+W Friday Session Introducing.
Celluloid Performances - Oxford, Leeds, Birmingham, Sherringham, Malvern