Mickey Biscuit [Read Our New BLOG]

May 19 sees the release of the debut album from one of the most exciting acts to come out of North Carolina in years. Nasty Fashion is the first LP from Mickey Biscuit and The Jefferson Christ Action, and will be available from CDBaby.com. It's been a year since the band burst onto the scene with their self-titled EP, and their star has risen and risen ever since. This unique band offer a completely original style of music – some might call it 'experimental folk rock', but the truth is that Mickey Biscuit and The Jefferson Christ Action are uncategorisable. Throwing together odd arrangements of instruments including fiddle, saxophone, banjo and cello with the traditional rock and roll sound of guitar, bass and drums, the band have achieved a lush, textured sound. This genre-crossing, along with the expertly crafted melodies, are complemented by the challenging and often painful lyrics of front man Danny "ol' Dirtybath" Grimmett. Dealing with the difficult themes of child abuse, addiction and spirituality, Grimmett unflinchingly confronts some of the darkest elements of real life: issues that are taboo to less brave artists. Grimmett's eerie yet stimulating vocal style adds to the listening experience, which is foreboding, yet uplifting at the same time. Grimmett explains his musical inspiration: "My influences have always been life itself – things that most people have not had to experience. I hope that through my music I can evoke in people the same feeling that I felt as these events happened in my life. Musical influences range from bands such as The Doors, to 16 Horsepower and Dire Straits. "My father bought me my first guitar when I was 8-years-old. I used it as a way to vent, slamming on the strings for hours at a time. Once I got older I began using it for self-expression. It was my first love affair, and my heart is still in it today." Mickey Biscuit and The Jefferson Christ Action formed in 2006 in Charlotte, NC. Grimmett is backed by Kyle Jones on bass, Lawrence Laserides on guitar, Jennifer Hough on fiddle, Jon Davis on drums, Dailey Toliver on Banjo, Austin Akers on sax and Lindsay Ellerbe on cello. The band's material has been playing on Band Radio, iRadio LA and Indie Radio 104.7. An interview with them, and a front cover shot, will feature at CUSP online magazine later in the year. Nasty Fashion is released on Real to Real Records.