Echo Raptors

Echo Raptors have posted two new songs online, with a third to come tonight. There's a new one called Idle Dream (not at all similar to the Oasis song Idler's Dream in case you were wondering), which has a great catchy chorus, and an electric version of Stepping Stone which was previously heard as a Kitchen Session in acoustic form. It reminds me slightly of an early Oasis song, which is high praise indeed. Both songs can be listened to at the band's Soundcloud page here and keep an eye out for a third new song at midnight tonight. - Pick a part that's new - Blogspot

Those who have been watching this blog for a few months (if these people exist!) will be aware of Belfast's Echo Raptors, who are one of the most exciting new bands I've heard in a while. If not check out their Soundcloud page at http://soundcloud.com/echoraptors/tracks to get up to date. They have recently started a series of acoustic videos from one of the band member's kitchen, possibly inspired by The La's legendary Kitchen Sessions. Two videos have been posted so far (embedded below), but how long this runs for remains to be seen. Anyway I'm enjoying what I've heard so far and am looking forward to the next instalment; will post on here whenever a new one is uploaded. - Barnafin

Echo Raptors are a new band from Belfast, and were previously known as the Kicks. Don't really know that much about them, as I only discovered them a few days ago, but they are definitely one of, the not THE best new band I've heard this year. Their Facebook page (which oddly is a profile and not a group) lists some of their influences as Oasis, Kasabian, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jet. The most noticable of these influences in their music are Jet and Oasis, however. Although information on the band is scarce, they have 7 songs available to download on their Soundcloud page, all of which are excellent, particularly Plastic People, which is in my top 5 songs of the year. Those who scoff at Viva Brother being compared to Oasis will almost certainly prefer this band, as they are certainly more rock 'n' roll than the Slough four-piece. This band deserves to be big, check out their Soundcloud page here:
http://soundcloud.com/echoraptors - Barnafin

Not entirely sure what to expect, I dandered into Spring and Airbrake to hear ... followed by “The Kicks”. And I was impressed.

(Echo Raptors), Instantly likeable, the four members are a London / Belfast mix, and with a gig at the Black Box not long over they were on a roll. With songs like “The Preacher” giving a slower rhythm and “Wasteland” making you want to get up and rock out, their excellent playlist had a bit of everything. Influenced by Kasabian, Oasis and The Verve,”Plastic People” was my favourite and this is definitely a band to watch out for in the future. With upcoming gigs at Auntie Annie’s, add them on Facebook to keep in the loop.
- Student Pulse

formerly known as The Kicks this fantastic product of the Northern Ireland music scene has been makin' waves on the mainland, supporting legends such as Steve Craddock of 'Ocean Colour Scene' and Paul Weller and online gaining cult followings on many forums. With their follow-up release, I reckon 2012 is gonna hold BIG things for these guys! This band breathes cool, in their image and in their sound They exude rock n roll. Also available as part of this single releases a B-Side 'Bite the Wire' I think I love everything about this band to be honest and I've heard they are set to take their sound to a whole new level with the tracks they are currently working on! Three is something special about this band and in my opinion it'll be fun and uplifting watching them realise this. Get this downloadable release for FREE on www.soundcloud.com/echoraptors where you'll find plenty more gems such as talking machine, and follow the boys'; journey at www.facebook.com/theechoraptors - Your Derry Magazine