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www.clashmusic.com single review by Anna Wilson - "The Moog fiddling Manchester brothers are full of beans on this latest release. Think Klaxons, think Air, think analogue in a big way. Retro synths, sci fi noises and big banging drums played on a Heath Robinson hybrid electronic/acoustic drum kit; nice... wide appeal across the indie-dance spectrum... the brucie bonus for me is the ‘Clash Of The Titans’ budget video featuring a big fuck off robot made from drum bits called the ‘she-machine’. So, frankly, I’m already sold!" Culture Deluxe WAVES review by Mark Webb - "This is a really interesting little single. Waves is a neat tune, the lyrics create an analogue between the basic elements of synthesis and life. Yes, that is a multiple entendre. It might only really make sense to synthesizer nerds, but don’t let that put you off giving it a listen. ‘Sine wave, square wave, triangle, oscillators, attack…’ (paraphrased). I imagine it being written after too many hours staring at the controls of an analogue synth, and having a dream where life is contained in subtractive synthesis. It’s accompanied by a sweet little video that may or may not help you understand. Either way, quite nice." Liam Walsh Ask Me Pr - "The fourth single from the much lauded live electronica outfit Shmoo is Waves. Having supported such musical heavyweights as Roni Size, Roisin Murphy, Ladyhawk and fellow Mancunians Delphic, Shmoo made a massive impact with their live shows during Manchester International Festival last summer. Already well known in their hometown, the brothers at the heart of Shmoo are setting their sights further afield. Waves is a throbbing slice of electro-pop, set to thrill chin-stroking electronica connoisseurs and the party-seeking indie kids alike. The single comes with a short film made by David and Neil Newport in collaboration with director Ash Tidball." Danny, Fuzzy logic - "a sound that no bands seem to be trying around here at the moment, very fresh, very new!" Howard Mills, Humble Soul Records - "Waves is ace. Really love the dust-buster spaceship. Proper Blakes 7 production going on there - awesome!" Chimp Magazine single Review by Leon (The Canteen) - "The Newport Brothers, David and Neil, return with their brand new single, 'Amnesia' - a mix of electronic synth pop with a classical breakdown. With its infectious eighties sound, Neil's Jarvis Cocker-esque vocal, and a classical diversion - courtesy of David - it's a fantastic concoction of sounds that feel like this should have been part of the soundtrack to 'Wierd Science'. You'll be singing it all day." Natalie williams BBC Introducing - "Shmoo - Big big favorities of bbc introducing... tell you what they did an absolutely storming gig for us as part of our InTheCity Showcase down at Moho Live a couple of months ago in october and following hot on the footsteps of Delphic i think... great live act and kicking down the doors in the world of electronica!" Amnesia Review By Craig Harkness www.isthismusic.com/shmoo - "Shmoo are three Moog-loving Manchester-based synth maestros, who have an impeccable knack for harnessing hook driven electro-pop while throwing in theatrically melodramatic symphonic flights of fancy that fuse Muse histrionics without sounding absurd…no mean feat.‘Amnesia’s rapid punchy bass and driving thrust is helped in no small way by the Elbow-collaborating Halle Orchestra adding bombastic intensification, as huge shimmering synth hooks give way to suspenseful strings, wailing lead guitar and processed vocals. A tangential middle-8 transports you to some sort of proggy wigged-out wonderland then unceremoniously drops you back where you began leaving you bewildered but hooked right back without missing a beat. Dramatic, forward thinking and effortlessly catchy, all wrapped up with an 80’s extravagant veneer with shades of prog. pomposity, come on…what’s not to love." Shmoo Amnesia review by JMC The Chronical - "This has got more beef than their last single, mixing MGMT's stoner vocals with some over the top Muse instrumentation. Ambitious is the word. Interesting; another excellent Manchester band. Out now." Amnesia single review By Helen Clarke London Informer - "The recent BBC series Synth Britannia nostalgically hailed the synth wielding heroes of yore, but if the producers get their hands on this latest release from Manc trio Shmoo, they may have to go back to the studio. A body rush of sounds that owes as much to Beastie Boys and MGMT as Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, it injects Kasabian's guitar funk with the drama of Muse. Vocoded harmonies, high energy drums, lush synths and a menacing vocal lead us on an epic sci-fi trek through the digital world, combining a thousand retro sounds to create something very special and fresh." Ask Me Pr InTheCity review by Liam Walsh - "Moho Live... for the second BBC Introducing ITC night... This evening it was the turn of the mighty Shmoo to assault the ears of the crowd. The video for their new single Amnesia, which was filmed at their show at the Manchester International Festival with Delphic this summer, can be seen here. The two keyboard players and vocalists (who are brothers) give it their all, and to see their hypnotic live drummer in action is really something. It’s hard to believe they are playing electronic music without a laptop in sight!" Shmoo ITC Live review BBC Introducing by Chris Long - "Launching themselves into a staggeringly energetic set from behind a bank of gizmos that would have pleased a junior Orbital, Shmoo mixed mammoth dance, raw garage band and full-blown pop brilliantly. Even the inclusion of a vocoder didn't ruin proceedings, as the Newport brothers doled out a lesson in commitment, fervour and fun for everyone present." BBC Introducing showcases at In The City 2009 by Richard Banks - "We'll be attending this year, with showcase nights of our own at Moho Live...The bands on our bill were chosen by Huw Stephens and the team at BBC Introducing in Manchester, with seven of the ten acts based in the Greater Manchester area. ... Tuesday 20th October - Shmoo - Real Dolls - The Jessie Rose Trip etc" Amnesia review by Ask Me Pr - "The third offering from Shmoo, ‘Amnesia’, see’s the band exploring their sound in greater depth. Still reeling from sell-out shows at this year’s Manchester International Festival, which garnered rave reviews from (among others) Xfm’s Jon Kennedy. Catchy hooks, a killer vocal and vocoded harmonies all conspire to make ‘Amnesia’ a track of epic proportions aided by Manchester’s world renowned Halle Orchestra." ManchesterMusic.co.uk live review By Cath Aubergine - "hard electrobeat stomper full of LFOs and squidgy acid noises that sound like spaceship doors opening in a low budget TV show, which is always good... More deliciously dirty beats, and a vocoder: no, not your AutoTune nonsense, a proper 80s style job that makes robot voices... a hi-energy punk-rap-electro squelch-monster that sounds like the (very) illegitimate offspring of Fad Gadget and golden age Pop Will Eat Itself that gets everyone dancing... I want to see them again. Now." Shmoo Full Page Manchester Evening News article By David Sue - "a sonic mash-up between Kraftwerk, MGMT and Daft Punk... make up the militant analogue beast that is Shmoo...With electro austerity borrowed from Kraftwerk, jerky dancefloor thrills inspired by Daft Punk and head-frying psychedelics on loan from MGMT, their songs are a wonderful synthesis of clublands past and future: so yes, Shmoo are retro obsessives concerned with analogue purity, but most of all, they want to create the ultimate soundtrack to the future...Shmoo's battle against the digital invasion might be raging on, but as for the most important battle the one for the Manchester music crown we can surely consider that tussle well and truly won....The battle against the machines? Well, in the shape of Shmoo, we have ample evidence of how humans and machines (analogue ones, of course) can sit happily in blissful, electro-pop pumping unison." Shmoo Is It Isn't It Review by Jeremy SUBBA CULTURE- "Smartly crafted electro, heavy on the synth sounds with a cycling rhythm that brings the best out of the delivery of Shmoo’s vocalist" Shmoo review in Selby Times - "a sort of cross between Kasabian and The Clash, full of attitude-fuelled vocals and insistent sweeping electro beats... I can see this being a massive hit in the clubs this summer with its relationships, life and friendships lyrics appealing to young people on a massive scale. Can't wait for the album" Shmoo Live Review by Benjamin Thomas www.citylife.co.uk - "Today, local bands such as The Whip, Delphic, and now Shmoo, are reviving such dancefloor stylings... tonight sees the aforementioned Shmoo, city scene favourites... launch their debut single... Dave Haslam is on hand to welcome the main attraction... Shmoo are a band Kasabian could never even dream of becoming..." "She Machine, is an astounding showcase for the sound of their antique Moogs with a lyrical vocoder battle cry of 'synthesis / synthesise this'... Simultaneously retro and tomorrow, this song is precisely how the future of music was envisioned thirty years ago. So it is somehow fitting that, in addition to the usual formats of download, CD and vinyl, Shmoo unashamedly claim to be 'the only band in the world that still release on cassette tape'." BBC Oxford Introducing David Gilliat - "got a good sound going there bit Daft Punk, bit Air, very retro..." Tim Bearder - "I like it I like it!... great name shmoo... we're gonna spend the rest of the show saying shmoo" iheartau.com review by Virginia Arroyo - ‘She Machine’ is the sonic hand-grenade that Shmoo have thrown from their attic studio in Manchester to detonate on alternative dance floors all over the world. This track testifies to the beauty of the analogue in a digital world. The memorable chorus “Synthesis! Synthesize this!” is a sort of tribute to old school electronic music. Not surprising then that there is a distinct Kraftwerk influence whilst the highly melodic lines and retro beats will also remind you of the best of Justice or Minitel Rose.... ...Mix Beastie Boys-like vocoder, a synth heavy sound, exploding drums and unmistakably danceable bass lines in a frantic rhythm shaker and you get a tune that’ll have the crowd stomping and shaking their heads. Oh, and don’t miss the simple but colourful accompanying video." www.citylife.co.uk Deaf Institute (with Gideon Conn and Magic Arm) Shmoo live review by Denjamin Thomas - "local electro rockers Shmoo, with vintage synths in the style of Daft Punk and drum 'n' bass backbeats which shake the Deaf Institute to its Victorian foundations." www.guestlistmusic.com The Aftershow Live review by James Smith - "Up next in the main room are local electronica band, Shmoo... this current, and infinitely more interesting, lineup the Newport brothers take centre stage with their Moogs. The sound is much more aggressive and powerful, with Neil's vocals growling out his lyrics... The mixture of retro sounds, live drums and electronica works amazingly well, fusing into an experience that is both original and melodic. Their polished stage performance and accomplished set draw the biggest crowd of the night proving that Manchester has more than it's indie music to be proud of." Rant Magazine gig Review by Astrid Weekes - "Shmoo seem to be touching the ceiling, their equipment stacked up and the band riding high on their popularity amongst the audience. Brothers Dave and Neil are either side of the stage, giving it their all on their respective synthesisers. The atmosphere is actually electric – quite apt, considering the material on show." www.new-noise.net review by Charlotte Otter - "Shmoo; one of the hippest Manchester bands of the moment. Inspired by the likes of Les Rhythmes Digitales, Ladytron and Portishead, Shmoo's fondness for Moogs and anything retro, means this music is unique and thoroughly addictive." UKMUSICSEARCH review - "Shmoo; a Manchester based outfit who mix up electronica and danceable melody. Shmoo dabble in the waters of electro pop here; the robo sex grindings of SHE MACHINE is all retrofitted electro style and Kraftwerk cool..." XFM Manchester, Clint Boon - "like daft punk... brilliant, brilliant, love it!" www.gigwise.com - "Shmoo, a truly fantastic outfit... already belong behind a TV screen... Shmoo are very much a BAND, proving that electronic music does not need to be studio bound. Behind banks of Moogs, a drummer playing electronic pads and 'real' drums, their outer space soul-disco transmits all the rushes that the best drugs can buy. 'Amnesia' is just such am incredible bodyrush overload of noise, squiggles and melody as to be indescribable and they finish with 'She Machine' the sci-fi classic that rocks like a motherfucker." www.glasswerk.co.uk - "glam tinged eighties electro pop affair... A glossy homage to the best moments of early Air... moog led pop at its finest" www.southportreporter.com - "The band members have really done something fun with a unique sound that echoes back from the 1970's and early 1980's music seen. The style and sounds reminds me of the great 'Kraftwerk' album, 'Computer World' released back in 1981... A truly stunning sound... you have now got most of our office as fans, and that is not normal as most are hardcore rockers!" HIGH VOLTAGE live review - "some very hands-on analogue Moog-ling, producing sounds that range from the funky to the cool... Piling up the layers of drums, synths and bass: Shmoo find their groove somewhere between the live thrill of Hot Chip and the downbeat chill of Massive Attack." ManchesterMusic.co.uk Review by Cath Aubergine - "big fat dirty great beats... deliciously retro." BBC Music 'The Great Unheard' by Chris Long - "Shmoo are very, very (and yes, you can add another very or two if you like) exciting. Mixing stealthy beats with sexy sounds, they create tunes that are intoxicatingly gorgeous and thoroughly addictive. Imagine what the name would feel like and you're just about understanding what you're missing…" SA Promotions - "original electronic band with a difference, It's all done live... ... Their stage presence says it all.'" Live Review by Claire Thorpe - "Shmoo provided a 'coolness' to the night." ukhomegrown.com - "Manchester based synth monsters... fat bass licks, superb drumming and enough synths to battle Jean Michel Jarre... this band are not messing around... If you like Portishead,Quantic, Air, etc im sure you will like these dudes. check them out!" |
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