bUTTONpUSHER: 1st AUGUST @ THE CHAMELEON ARTS CAFE, Nottingham

MONSTERS BUILD MEAN ROBOTS

Formed in late 2006, Monsters Build Mean Robots have already created a unique and breathtaking sound. Electronic loops and backdrops merge with layered and intense guitar and organ parts, mixing with sweet mesmerizing vocals, used sparingly, to create an overwhelming and luscious soundscape.

Their name, taken from a Silver Mt Zion lyric, acknowledges their diverse influences, ranging from Godspeed You Black Emperor and Explosions In The Sky, to Radiohead, and then to Squarepusher and Fourtet.

REVIEW FROM artrocker.com -
Let’s go politico! Guerrilla record label Nice Weather For Air Strikes are dropping the bomb with this debut release from Monsters Build Mean Robots - as Rory carroll reports…
Myspace has already condemned a generation of pimply - sometimes feral - youths to their computer, aimlessly waiting to see which of their friends have ‘poked’ them or added a new arty photo of themselves. More disturbingly, the very same website has also unleashed a heinous wave of stuttering, mockney-singing, NME cover vermin who are inevitably destined to chew up airwaves and monopolise the charts.
“You could easily roll you eyes at the fact that a band allegedly disillusioned with Myspace actually owns a Myspace page - but that’s just one of life’s little ironies… “

This is why it’s refreshing to find a record label prepared to take a risk and put some integrity back into the industry. Independent label Nice Weather for Air Strikes have dedicated themselves to promoting innovative and inspirational music - and Monsters Build Mean Robots are one of the many jewels in their sparkling crown.
MBMR’s self-titled debut draws from a diverse bank of influences, mixing equal parts processed beats with soft vocals and artful arrangements. There are echoes of Sigor Ros and Explosions in the Sky on the beautiful ‘The Freedom To Fire Those Freedom Rockets,’ which deploys tremolo guitar licks and swirling atmospherics to devastating effect.
They have clearly taken issue with certain world events, and the album includes references to tanks, rockets and on one track (thisiswheretheoilcomesfrom.com) a website which clearly shows distaste for the oil industry. Sadly however, after a Google search it would appear that the website doesn’t exist.
However, it’s not all sweeping atmospherics and political referencing. Opening track ‘Do Uncles Dream of Electric Kids’ shares the familiar bassline grumble of an Aphex Twin song, and transitions seamlessly into the electric drum-loop laden ‘Stroll Into Flames To Find Self.’
You could easily roll you eyes at the fact that a band allegedly disillusioned with Myspace actually owns a Myspace - but that’s just one of life’s little ironies. The fact is that we need labels like Nice Weather for Air Strikes to keep giving bands like MBMR a fair chance in an increasingly competitive industry. Monsters do indeed build mean robots – how else would you explain Jeremy Kyle? – but on the face of this LP, they also make some damn fine music.

CHRIK

Chrik are two guys who play guitar and drums. Originally from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, but now based in Liverpool.
"technical guitar riffs switch from beautiful serene moments with a sure nod to Kinsella and Caballero, to heavier climaxes that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Biffy Clyro song. The recording and layering of the live guitar sounds gives the music texture they may have lacked without a bassist. The constantly changing time signature results in the drummer screaming with relief at the end of each song. Chrik are amazingly talented and deserving of the great reception tonight."

For up to date information, upcoming gigs, links to other projects etc please visit www.myspace.com/chrikmusic

Support from Shut up + 1 tbc
doors 8pm
£3
http://www.myspace.com/buttonpusherclubnight