Dinosaur Pile-Up

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Dinosaur Pile-Up have revealed that recent line up changes have left them stronger than ever.

Emerging from the ever buoyant Leeds hardcore scene, Dinosaur Pile-Up are part of a wave of acts gaining wider appreciation. Mixing brutal riffs with sweet melodies, the band stuck true to their DIY roots.

Touring across the country, the strain soon took its toll. Losing and gaining members, the Leeds band have now focussed on life as a three piece.

Dinosaur Pile-Up recently completed work on their debut album, with 'Growing Pains' released to widespread acclaim. The Leeds band have spoken to BBC Newsbeat, explaining that they are stronger than ever.

"The bond between us is really strong" explains singer Matt Bigland. "Mike's probably the loudest drummer in the world," he said. "And Harry's probably the most entertaining bassist you've ever seen."

Dinosaur Pile-Up completed work on 'Growing Pains' earlier this year, focussing the energy of their live shows onto record. Dominated by Matt Bigland, the sessions were intended to be "honest and simple".

"The whole band started in my bedroom, just me recording simple little songs and stuff, so I wanted it to be a proper version of that" he said. "I went out to Bridlington and recorded the record for about two and a half months and I kind of locked myself up."

Meanwhile, a statement from the singer expanded on the writing process. “Growing Pains for me is a statement on how I've felt over the last year or so I guess. Trying to figure out who I am as a person growing up. Trying to get the right band together. Trying to make a first record with little money in a time when rocking guitar bands aren't really in fashion."

Recently completing a nationwide tour, Dinosaur Pile-Up unveiled their debut album in front of their fans. A rabid live act, the band swapped headline slots with Turbowold. - ClashMusic

Dinosaur Pile-Up have been referred to as the new kids of grunge so a place like Nice’n'Sleazy in Glasgow is the perfect setting for the trio to let rip. Soaring through tracks from their debut album ‘Growing Pains’, the band proved that old-skool rock ‘n’ roll is far from dead and a great live performance doesn’t need fancy lights and synth sounds. In this particularly tiny venue, however, the audience found it hard to be as energetic as the band they were watching. In this sense, the crowd did seem more like spectators and the band a spectacle but one could tell they were holding back from going mental from all the synchronized on-the-spot head-banging while guitarist Matt Bigland stepped offstage in an attempt to have some literal audience interaction.
Song after song, the set was heaving with a destructive energy as the band ripped through tracks such as ‘Birds & Planes’, ‘Never That Together’ and ‘Maybe It’s You’. Matt stopped in between songs to explain that bassist Harry Johns and drummer Mike Sheils were suffering from man-flu but in no way did it jeopardise their explosive set. DPU oldie, ‘My Rock ‘n’ Roll’ was a definite highlight with its face-melting riff while ‘Hey You’ showed that there was a softer side to the grunge rockers but still worked well within the otherwise very loud set. As the band ended the set with ‘Traynor’ which proved very fitting indeed, the crowd gave a warm cheer, their only regret being that the venue wasn’t more mosh-pit endurable. - Is This Music?

Dinosaur Pile-Up singer Matt Bigland says the release of their debut album and the recent line-up change marks a new era for the band.

The three-piece is now made up of founding member Bigland, plus Harry Johns (bass) and Mike Sheils (drums).

"The bond between us is really strong", admits the singer, who also reckons the addition of backing vocals gives the band an extra dimension.

Live, the band may also be offering fans more 'bang for their buck'.

"Mike's probably the loudest drummer in the world," reckons Bigland. "And Harry's probably the most entertaining bassist you've ever seen."

It wasn't one big bust up that prompted the line-up change, just that old chestnut "musical differences".

"[Steve and Tom] just wanted to do different stuff," admits Matt.
Solo mission

Debut album Growing Pains hit shops a few weeks ago and follows the singer's long-held vision.

Recorded between the line-up swap, Bigland played all the instruments himself and says he wanted it to be "honest and simple".
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The whole band started in my bedroom - just me recording simple little songs and stuff - so I wanted it to be a proper version of that

Matt Bigland

"The whole band started in my bedroom, just me recording simple little songs and stuff, so I wanted it to be a proper version of that.

"I went out to Bridlington and recorded the record for about two and a half months and I kind of locked myself up."

That dedication and skill echoes one of his heroes, Dave Grohl, who also flew solo on the Foo Fighters' 1995 debut.

From now on Dinosaur Pile-Up is very much a team effort though, and the boys are looking forward to collaborating on new songs.

"It's just more alive," says Matt. "We all believe in it."

The band has also just finished their own tour, as well as playing a few shows with Feeder and are now hoping to get some more support dates.

When it comes to their dream hook-ups they stay true to their alt-rock heritage: The choice picks? "Deftones, Weezer and Queens of the Stone Age."

Dinosaur Pile-Up's debut album, Growing Pains, is out now. - BBC Newsbeat