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UNDERCUT
‘Undercut are from Bristol and they sound like Peter Gabriel fronting Coldplay at a rugby match. Magnificant. Truly’
Debut single from a Bristol based band that have set-up their record label to get this single and ensuing debut album out - there's self-belief for you. Was it worth it? Yes most definitely as `Soul Food Mother' is a cracking rock tune with a soaring chorus and catchy too boot. `Butterfly' is a spacey number and does little for me
but `Coming Back Down To Earth' hits the spot. An angst filled number driven by acoustic strumming, shades of David Gray in there. Watch out for this band as they look to have rosy future and have the tunes to back up their undoubted musical talent.
Jason Ritchie
Undercut remind me of nothing more than U2. And I hate U2. But I like Undercut.
It's not that they sound like them. Thank God. It's the overall feel - the trick of being as epic as it's possible to be within three minutes and forty-one seconds, whilst simultaneously keeping one's feet firmly on the ground. The ability to be fresh and youthful and yet retain a strong maturity. The fact that the chorus almost passes you by while you're listening to the song, but won't leave you alone when you press stop.
But 'Soul Food Mother' doesn't sound like U2. It sounds like Therapy? in a mellow mood, or Del Amitri with an injection of youth and a good kick up the arse. It's a sound big enough to fill the aircraft hangar the band have been rehearsing in, but tight and focused with it. Most of all, it's the sound of a band with a bright future. I like.‘Soul Food Mother’ is the debut release by Bristol based rockers Undercut on their own label Distiller Records, which in my opinion was wisely set up as their own record deals were surprisingly slow materializing considering the quality of this band. The move to set up their own label was one that has obviously paid off with this fantastic release. ‘Soul Food Mother’ is a fantastic track that isn’t too rock and roll, its just right. As well as being a song to really get into, it’s a song that you could quite easily put on as music to sit down and chill out to, combined with a catchy chorus that makes this song a real winner. This is a fantastic start for the band, and along with hearing some of the tracks from the forthcoming album it can clearly be seen this band is on their way to much bigger and better things.
Rating: 9/10O here we are strolling up to the “pretty much sold out” Wonder stuff gig expecting to see a huge line slithering round the side of the building, alas, no. Maybe we were late? So we go in, only to see the emptiest I’ve ever seen the academy. That aside, we go to the bar and get a pint, waiting for the 1st band to start. With only about 60 people in the room, Bristol’s very own Undercut come onto the stage, pick up their guitars and start playing. At this point me and my friend stare at each other as the vocals coming out sounded exactly like Jason Wade of Lifehouse. Undercut went on to mix their rock style with hints of reggae, electronica and such bands as Jimmy Eat World through out the rest of their set. In short they were great (check them out at: www.undercutmusic.com).
Undercut have been in an interesting position recently, the five-piece band have attracted the attention of renowned producers John Leckie (Radiohead, The Verve, Muse, etc) and Ian Grimble (The Las, Manic Street Preachers, Mansun) whilst not managing to secure a record deal. The band decided to take a risk and set up their own fully-fledged record label. The band decided to go with Ian for production duties on this their first self released single. The bands choice has been repaid a hundred times over; Soul Food Mother is a fantastic first release. The title track is an alternative indie rocker that has a real epic feel. The lead vocals of Johnny Benn drip passion as the band clatter around him, a deep croon that seduces the listener into the bands full-bodied sound. The second track, Butterfly is just as impressive as guitars pulse and the band step on and off the power allowing the chorus to really hit home. The final number, Coming Back Down To Earth has the band stripped down to acoustic guitars, showing another side to the band, it reminds me a little of Sunhouse, which can only be a good thing as far as I'm concerned. Undercut have produced an excellent debut single that will hopefully earn the band more exposure, an excellent band that deserve every success.
Rated 10 out of 13
by Daniel Bristow
Inciting interest from two legendary producers, John Leckie and Ian Grimble, who have worked with Radiohead and The Las respectively, Undercut excite on reputation alone. The quintet have decided to establish their own record label, Distiller Records, and release their debut single ‘Soul Food Mother’ through that. Ambition isn’t lacking from this group of Bristolian indie-rockers.
Nor is a solid and refreshing sound, ‘Soul Food Mother’ is an intelligent and catchy song, emanating a distinct acumen for modern life and an intellect that supersedes most in the current state of popular music. The coming of Undercut is welcome and invigorating change from the abundance of ‘mathematical’ emo that so clogs up the arteries of today’s airwaves.
The band decided in the end, on employing the services of Ian Grimble to produce their sound, no hard feelings though, as John Leckie described ‘Soul Food Mother’ as a “killer hit.” It’s undeniable from the interest that they’ve gained and obvious from the noise they produce that Undercut are able enough to join the ranks of good British bands pulling music through this stale and uninspiring moment in pop history. Undercut’s name could soon find itself alongside other respectable British titles: Snow Patrol, The Music, Biffy Clyro…This is new music, rather than ‘nu’ music!
First B-side, ‘Butterfly’ has the succulent feel of a trippy Verve tune and then unexpectedly launches into a hard-driven chorus worthy a short burst of dance. Johnny Benn’s vocals on this track have an epic quality about which transform the song from a mellow, swirly verse to a grand chorus, through a bout of transmogrified psychodelia and back again.
‘Coming Back Down To Earth’ seems to intone a political conscience with lyrics such as “You’re proud to give the orders, you take no time to justify.” Fittingly, the song begins with an acoustic guitar and vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on R.E.M’s striking new release ‘Around The Sun.’ The chorus is full and harmonious and fulfilling like a Coldplay chorus. Undercut prove with this track the elasticity of their repertoire, from big rockers to sweet acoustics, all delivered in sonic-scale.
With a style and authenticity that can stand proud in British music, Undercut should congratulate themselves on being able to produce something that breaks the norm.