Analog Bombs
Bradford, United Kingdom | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | INDIE
Music
Press
My personal first experience of an Analog Bombs performance is one that will live long in the memory. As an 18 year old budding musician I found myself on the same bill as the band, having had little gigging experience and only recently legally allowed to be drinking in pubs.
Upon the band taking the stage, my initial thoughts were that this is what the Bash Street Kids from the Beano would have looked like if they had grown up – a bunch of cartoon-like misfits coming in all shapes and sizes, armed with crash helmets, trombones and various accessories! Two songs into the set, six-foot-six lead singer Ben Westerman somehow managed to stumble over his own feet while standing still, knocking into a microphone stand and a few chairs before falling flat on his face. The remarkable thing was that the rest of the band didn’t even bat an eyelid, and just continued like nothing had happened – they’d obviously witnessed this event many times before! Ben returned to the stage, seemingly having not spilt a drop of beer or losing his sunglasses, and uttered, ‘I think I got away with that.’
They’ve been one of my favourite live bands ever since.
2016’s It’s A Mean Old Scene marks their first release since being snapped up by local record label Wide Mouth Records – a three track teaser recorded by rising producer Luke Haran which succeeds in capturing the raw energy of an Analog Bombs performance. The combination of trombone and organ sounds that make this band sound so unique are present throughout, along with their infectious vocal melodies and often satirical lyrics which address various aspects of modern culture that the Analogs mustn’t think too kindly of. ‘The answer came through gritted tweets and hashtags I cannot repeat,’ being a standout lyric.
All three tracks have an accessible and timeless sound. Opening track Still Broken Beds boasts a catchy, sing-a-long chorus, whilst Chinese Lucky Number is heavily driven by a strong shuffle drum beat. However the stand-out track for me is closing number Twitterati Parasite – a song which captures the very essence of the Analog Bombs, combining indie rock with early Dexy’s Midnight Runners and an Eastern vibe reminiscent of Madness’ Night Boat To Cairo. Rhythmic guitar chops and some excellent bass playing in the verses provide the backdrop for Westerman’s editorial lyrics, addressing many popular current media topics. The ending of the track contains a Hey Jude style loop which you could imagine being chanted by any festival crowd this summer!
I, for one, will be looking forward to the next release, whenever it may be!
It’s a Mean Old Scene is available for purchase via the Wide Mouth Records website
www.widemouthrecords.com - Bradford Review
"After having a bit of a break we're warming up slowly to a summer where we're going to be playing a couple of festivals, scooter meets and another couple of gigs in London and Manchester," says Deano, keyboardist with the band.
"In the past we've played gigs at the Cockpit in Leeds, the Cavern Club in Liverpool and headlined the Dublin Castle in Camden twice. We also opened the first-ever BD1 LiVE at St George's Hall - and we even got to play with the Bluetones and Rich Buckler and Bruce Foxton in From The Jam last summer at Bingley Music Live. That was ace!"
Analog Bombs formed four years ago and have carved quite a reputation on the local band scene ever since.
They recently appeared on BCB radio, performing an acoustic set with Shipley singer Laura Groves.
"We really enjoyed that," says Deano. "It's what being in a band is all about; big gigs, small gigs."
The band is comprised of singer Ben, guitarist Lee, drummer Danny, bassist Rick and Deano who "plays the organ and talks about bitter."
"We're fiercely proud of being from Bradford," he says. "We know some other bands who have a whiff of success and start saying they're from Leeds - that's just daft! Everybody knows Bradford is better! In fact, in the band we've got three Bradford City season ticket holders and one Bradford Bulls season ticket holder." - Telegraph & Argus
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
like being thrown through a chip shop window after being started on in a pub by a rude boy, a happy mondays fan and a northern soul DJ after spilling mild all over their shoes while slidey dancing in the pub next door.
Band Members
Links