Abrasive Trees
Abrasive Trees have been described as "stunning" (BBC Introducing), "a transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance" (Post-Punk.com) and "perfectly evocative" (Aural Aggravation).
Their musical creations, led by Matthew Rochford, display a willingness to experiment alongside a sound that sits loosely within the post-punk aesthetic with definite influences from post-rock, folk and psychedelia. More accurately though they are the expressions of an inner world that is at times intense, but ultimately hopeful. Rochford’s lyrics and music connect with themes of the spiritual, the fragility of our psyche, and attempts to convey what is ultimately inexpressible.
The project has received creative input from Jo-Beth Young (Talitha Rise/RISE), Mark Beazley (Rothko), Steven Hill (Evi Vine), Ben Roberts (Evi Vine/Prosthetic Head/Silver Moth), Jay Newton (Quiet Quiet Band), Peter Yates (Fields of The Nephilim), Sebastian Swarm (Lunacy), Laurence Collyer (Diamond Family Archive), Jerome Hitchens (Kuki and The Bard), Nadia Abdelaziz (RISE) and Sebastian Rochford (Pulled By Magnets/Polar Bear/Patti Smith). Videos to accompany each release have been created by the visual artist Jess Wooller.
Multi-instrumentalist (guitar, E-bow, dulcimer, bass, drum programmes) and singer, Matthew has himself played on a variety of releases and live with Jo Beth Young (RISE/Talitha Rise), and Rothko. He’s recently worked with Elisabeth Elektra, Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), Ash Babb (Academy of Sun) and Evi Vine recording an album in the outer Hebrides.
Originally from Aberdeen but of Asian/English heritage, he mainly works from his home studio and from Matthew Board and Lucy Board’s Penquit Mill studio in South Devon.
“A transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance”
Post-Punk.com
“A stunning, grungy, moody debut”
BBC Introducing
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Cities in Dust
Cities in Dust – ‘like Death in Vegas meets Ride’, or r ‘lysergic groove rock’, according to Nightshift Magazine. Other comparisons have included Gorillaz, Beck and The Charlatans. A rich mix of indie rock, punctuated by a wide range of genres; there’s hip-hop and electronica, punk and psychedelia. Yet, it’s all still perfectly-formed pop!
“It’s indie rock with elements of hip-hop, electronica and psychedelia which meld seamlessly “ - Louder Than War
“Exceptionally clever songwriting, catchy rhythms, and a sense of purpose is what defines this band” - Find No Enemy
Armstrong
Armstrong are a four-piece, independent band based in the South East of England. Tom (Vocals & Guitar), Will (Bass & BVs), Ollie J (Guitar) & Ollie W (Drums). Taking influence from the likes of Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender & Bon Iver, Armstrong’s anthemic indie rock is infused with emotionally driven lyrics, catchy pop melodies and a driving rhythm section to create their unique and signature wall of sound.
Since their debut in 2018 they have been gigging non-stop: 130 performances and counting!
The release of their debut EP “Glendale” put them on the map, with all songs having been featured on BBC Introducing in the South, Floor and March becoming crowd favourites.
In 2022, Armstrong are back adding Jarv to the lineup adding a fresh new sound and power to their live shows, and an explosive new song Morning, a song about making a big life-changing decision, having that final night with the person you love before your decision possibly changes everything.
"Glorious pop-rock that pops and, you guessed it, rocks... Armstrong have a hit on their hands with Morning." (BBC Radio Surrey 2022)
Event: Saturday 15 October, 8pm
Tickets: £5 advance / £7 on the door
Book tickets for Abrasive Trees + Support at Hampshire Cultural Trust's West End Centre, Aldershot now!
