The utterly intriguing Brute Chorus release their eponymous album in October – its a brilliant and inspired debut. Mixing tales of Greek mythology, love stories and bluesy charms it’s full of off-kilter lyrics and foot stompingly good bass lines.
The Brute Chorus are quiffed and moustachiod Vicar’s son James Steel (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica and Kazoo) Cumbrian Nick Foots ( Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard and Stuff) son of a Morris Man Matthew Day (Vocals , Drums and Percussion) and Essex born Dave Ferrett (Vocals, Bass). The band all live together in a flat in Whitechapel.
The album was recorded in one heartstopping take infront of 300 of their most loyal fans at The Roundhouse’s FreeDM studios. They begged, borrowed and stole equipment from the likes of Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie and then with shaky hands, sweaty brows and a quick swig of JD they were all set to record…
5 weeks before the due date they set about preparing. They enlisted producers Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Gogol Bordello and Son’s and Daughters) and the Mercury nominated Choque Hosein (Black Star Liner, Hood, Lord Auch). Holed up in their rehearsal residency above a Hackney pub, they practiced solidly to ensure the recording would be a success. After the gig Victor promptly packed up and went back to New York where he mixed the recorded gig.
‘The Brute Chorus’ is a thoughtful and thoroughly unashamed letter to all that has shaped the band. From the bass heavy drive of the opening track ‘Hercules’ – to the dying drones of ‘I’m Gonna Shake Your Treehouse Down. Love, religion, fables, mythical beasts and the odd Greek Tragedy all feature.
Previous single ‘All The Pilgrims’ – A twisted modern love story with references to religion and false idol worship to a girl who resembles Joan Of Arc.
The Cuckoo and The Stolen Heart is Cash/Carter duet for the 21st Century. ‘Chew Lips’ Tigs joins James on vocal duty for this ode to argument!
There’s a mix of pop, circus burlesque and most noticeably rockabilly. This is a debut that you will not be able to stop tapping your feet to. With a nod and a reference to rock n roll, blues, post punk and even a good measure of ramshackle folk thrown in. it’s one of the most impressive debuts of the year. It’s a fairy tale, a fable and a hoe- down – with music itself as the love interest.
Live, the band are brimming with energy and replete with confidence built on an impressive gigging schedule, they strut, stutter and howl their way through their live sets. They have toured with Martha Wainwright, Rumble Strips, Ida Maria and even a trip to the seaside with Peggy Sue and The Pirates as well as numerous headline UK and European shows.