Campag Velocet

HistoryCampag Velocet are clubbers who've taken an unscheduled detour through left-field guitar music. Guitarist Arge from London met Pete in Pete's hometown of Portsmouth in the late 80's when Arge was a student. They were both energised by hip hop artists like Skooly D and Public Enemy, as well as being tuned into the massive signal beamed out of the Detroit techno scene. The pair bonded and spent many nights in the world of clubs. In fact it was Screamadelica by Primal Scream - the record that turned many kids into clubbers - that sent them off on a journey through guitar driven music like My Bloody Valentine, the Mary Chain et al and convinced Arge to learn the instrument himself. Arge and Pete moved to London, met bassist Barney Slater and set off on a slow journey of becoming Campag Velocet. Six drummers later they finally hooked up with Lascelles (his background in various soul groups including the Brand new heavies! matched theirs perfectly) and perfected the blueprint. After two singles, 'Drencrom [Velocet Synthemesc]' and 'Sauntry Sly Chic' for Fierce Panda / Rabid Badger Records, Campag announced their signature to PIAS Recordings with the brooding, groovy 'To Lose La Trek' and the release of their debut album 'Bon Chic Bon Genre' recorded with Paul Schroder (who has recorded with Stone Roses among others). Frontman Pete Voss revealed the title of the record had been taken from an article in a French magazine about sado-masochism, he said: "The article was called 'Bon Chic Bon Genre' which means 'Good Look Good Style', which is what it's all about really". 'Bon Chic Bon Genre' demonstrates why Campag Velocet are one of the most important new bands in Britain. They mysteriously parted company with PIAS recordings but continued to work on new material described as "newly written righteous punk rock anthems". Campag previewed three new songs from the new order at the Highbury Garage late September 2000, 'Instinct tension', 'Vindictive Disco' and 'Me And A Foe' simply ridiculed their prevailing contract(less) status. The band decided to make the next album without the shackles of a record company. Studio time needed to record the new album was funded by a friend of Pete's and was produced by lengendary Primal Scream producer Brian O'Shaughnessy. The band finally made their live comeback in September 2002 at the 333 Club in London and previewed more new tracks off their second eagerly awaited album entitled 'It's beyond our control'. Future classics 'Reebox', 'Motown Clic' and 'Trumping Men' stir the crowd into a frenzy and leaves them wanting more. Fast forward to March 2004 and a new record deal with London based Pointy records, with a new single in June and the album to follow in July.Please Note that Campag Velocet have now split up . If you want to hear what pete's new thing is head over to "www.myspace.com/thecountmusic page!