South-West, UK 6-piece The Barefoot Bandit return with the striking new single ‘Criminal Damage’, released at the same time as the band’s debut album Hello Welcome (due for release Nov 25th). Blending elements of reggae, dub, electronica and even punk rock and world music the band have built a strong and loyal fan base, as well as a growing hype and are set to take things to the next level with the release of the new album.
Talking about the album, the band explain: “’Hello Welcome’ is a collection of sounds written by The Barefoot Bandit. A pipedream turned true when we had the opportunity to record the album at the awesome Karma Sound Studios in Thailand. A dub fuelled exploration of reggae, punk and world music takes you on a journey from the South-West of England to Sout-East Asia.”
The album’s lead single ‘Criminal Damage’ is a prime example of the band’s work. Tight ska rhythms, infectious brass, choppy piano, driving guitar lines and elegant splashes of atmospherics and electronics create an infectious, musically rich soundscape under the pointed, effortlessly catchy lead vocals. Showcasing a unique and supremely polished approach to creating dub, the single is a brilliant example of the kind of inventive ideas and intuitive songwriting to expect across the new album.
Talking about the new single, the band share: “It is about a true event where someone we know ruined an allotment patch when they were young. The song is basically expressing that mistakes are made and you (hopefully) learn from them.”
Selling out shows across the UK at prestigious venues such as the Electric Ballroom, Camden, The Barefoot Bandit have become a must watch act on the UK touring and festival circuit, with festival highlights including appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Boardmasters, Boomtown Fair, Beautiful Days.
As well as a rich history of performing live, the band have built strong support across national radio including support from DJ David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra, numerous plays on BBC Radio 6 Music and ongoing support from BBC Introducing. The Band has also had the pleasure of supporting renowned artists such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Katchafire, The Cat Empire, Easy Star All-Stars, Dubioza Kolectiv, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Horace Panter & Lynval Golding (The Specials) and Dreadzone. The group are gearing up to release their debut album, which was recorded at Karma Sound Studios in Thailand.
Confirmed Live shows:
2023
April
6th – Weston Super Mare – Birt Bar
7th – Penzance – The Acorn
14th – Guilford – Boileroom
15th – Salisbury – Brown Street
22nd – Manchester – Retro
May
6th – Wooton Under Edge – Under The Edge Arts
August
25th – Maui Waui Festival – Norfolk
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