'Glasgow art-rock three-piece F.O. Machete have perfect band DNA. Recent history shows that for the best alternative guitar tunes, three really is the magic number. Heres a quick list off the top. Nirvana. Sebadoh. Mclusky. The Flaming Lips. Debut Machete album, Blaze of Flashes, is notice that the next band in this list has arrived. This is music that chats you up in the bar with humour and intelligence, then gets you back to its place, brings in two of its friends, hands you a Viagra and covers you in oil. This stuff can rip your face off at 50 meters but has a hook your mum might sing along to. You want cynical and vicious yet at the same time infectiously bouncy, upbeat lyrics? Get this record. What if Olivia Newton-John had dated Steve Albini? What if Bjork and P.J. Harvey had a daughter? This record shows what would have happened. And there are songs about Richard Pryor. How cool does this sound?'
what's the signal videophysical videocopper and lead fight videowhat's the signal - the outtakesComing out of Glasgow like, well - like a Machete to the head, fuck-off machete deserve your adoration like the Darkness deserve a kick in the nuts. The most powerful three price, you're ever likely to see, Machete have got the lot. Photogenic singer - check, Cool name - check, First Class tunes - check. Purveying their dark, mysterious wares like a shifty pimp punts his finest looking ladies; this band will change your life. Spill Magazine
F.O. Machete were formed in Glasgow, Scotland in April 2003.The band consists of Natasha Noramly (vocals and bass), Paul Mellon (guitar and vocals) and Callan Dickson (drums). Descriptions such as noise-pop and references such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Pavement do little to describe the pulverising hooks, seductive stage presence and raw energy of F.O. Machete. Their sound is one that is powerful and playful, mighty and accessible. The band believe that less is more.
F.O Machetes debut album was recorded three months after the band were formed at Chemikal Underground's Chem19 studios with well-respected producer, Andy Miller. My First Machete was released in February 2004 on independent Glasgow label Lost Dog Recordings.
After the release of the debut album, F.O. Machete toured extensively in UK whilst cementing a reputation as an exciting live band as the reviews they have received to date mirror.
F.O Machete have Sleazys wrapped around their fingers tonight, having found a way to incorporate their frenzied power into a package that is dynamic and accessible, theyve become without doubt the most exciting live band in Glasgow right now The Fly
Aside from the UK tours, F.O. Machete played high profile shows around Europe. In 2005, the band headlined a show representing Scotland at the opening of the countrys Pavilion at the worlds biggest art event, the prestigious Venice Biennale, Italy. Other headlining acts at this event included Kraftwerk (German Pavilion) and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals (Welsh Pavilion).
In September at the famous 013 venue at the ZXZW festival in Tilburg, Holland, F.O Machete clocked up another headline show. F.O Machete then returned to Holland to play another festival in The Hague alongside Millionaire and Broken Social Scene.
Whilst touring F.O machete developed a new sound and style, shaping the new material set to appear on their new record.
A new EP called If Gold Was Silver and Silver Was Gold was released in November 2005 on Highpoint Lowlife records in the UK will be released in March 2006 on Jam Recordings in Australia and New Zealand. The single features an enhanced digipack CD that features a video clip for one of the tracks Copper And Lead Fight.
Not heard anything by this bunch before, but am in love already. - with angular rhythms colliding just where you least expected them, and Natasha's sultry vocals binding it all together. Playlouder
The band have also just finished recording their second album entitled Blaze Of Flashes. The album was recorded between August and November 2005 and will feature 10 tracks which will demonstrate how far F.O. Machete have come sonically since their first offering. The raw power and stripped-back dynamic are still in effect but with a greater pop sensibility.