Terra Diablo

The beginnings of Scottish act Terra Diablo were pretty typical: four Scottish lads - friends from school or work, uninspired by their jobs and all well versed in the history of rock - form a band, write and rehearse a few tunes and play as many gigs as they can. However, in the words of one broadsheet music critic, ‘extraordinary things can often come from ordinary circumstances.’

From its inception, Terra Diablo has been driven to write songs with both integrity and commercial appeal and hold a collective disdain for what they see as the ‘contrived elements’ in modern music. The results have inspired critics and audiences alike.

The fast-paced, frenzied riffs, Ian Fairclough’s intense vocals, and the undeniable anthemic quality of many of their tracks certainly hold true to the hard-core traditions of rock. Though likened to bands such as The Secret Machines, Muse, and The Verve, Fairclough cites influences as eclectic as Fleetwood Mac and Trail of the Dead. Yet it is a strong creative ethic that has characterized Terra Diablo’s body of work as uniquely intelligent, imaginative, and infused with an energy that stands out in this well-tried and tested genre.

After releasing an EP on their own ‘SPAM2’ (Scottish People Are Musical Too) imprint, Terra Diablo’s self-titled debut LP ‘Terra Diablo’ was released on Zuma Records in 2004 to much critical acclaim.

The album has been variously lauded for its technical mastery, intricate musical arrangements and strong melodies. The epic ‘Swings and Roundabouts’, the frenetic intensity of ‘Satellites’ (both single releases) and graceful ballad ‘Perfect Mistake’ are all stand-out tracks that, for audiences in particular, have become signature songs for the band’s razor-sharp live shows, which have included two UK tours with Snow Patrol as well as opening slots for All-American Rejects and Idlewild. Four Scottish tours, the latest of which (2005) included a festival slot with Therapy and The Bluetones, have helped develop and sustain Terra Diablo’s home-grown support.

Terra Diablo’s growing profile has led to appearances and airplay on MTV2 (‘Satellites’ video), Radio 1 (Zane Low’s Rock Show), XFM and BBC Radio Scotland (Vic Galloway’s Session Scotland). Colin Murray (Radio 1) and Dominic Diamond (News of the World) have also been consistent supporters of the band’s career, as have publications such as Q Magazine, NME (featured as Download of the Week), Rock Sound, The List and The Herald.

Now Terra Diablo are ready to take the United States by storm with a new album to be released by Nocturnal Records and a series of tours planned for late Spring/early Summer and late Fall. Tracks such as ‘Disappearing Act’ and ‘The Great Decline’ continue Terra Diablo’s combination of vitriolic and often poignant intensity with striking melodies and strong vocals.