The Violet May
The Violet May will release their hotly-anticipated debut single – the double-A side, ‘Bright or Better/This Crowd Is Overcrowded’ – on 24 May, courtesy of boutique label and London clubnight Oh! Inverted World Records.
‘Bright or Better/This Crowd Is Overcrowded’ is an urgent, high-octane statement of intent, marrying Queens of The Stone Age-esque guitars with the wry lyrical delivery of vocalist McClure. The Violet May have since been carving out a reputation of their own, and are quickly turning some important heads.
Upon hearing ‘Bright or Better’, former Jesus and Mary Chain band member Douglas Hart - who has previously directed videos for My Bloody Valentine, The Horrors and The Libertines - offered his directorial services to the band. Peter Stringfellow, who, like The Violet May, also began his career in Sheffield (as a music promoter), was also first on the scene; providing both dancers - and the location, ‘Stringfellows’ - for the shoot. The result is an authentically gritty rock and roll video, to match the dirty rock and roll sound.
Both tracks on this release are reflective of the band’s formidable live show, which has seen them build up a fervent following back home in Sheffield, and gain headline residencies at the likes of London’s infamous Death Disco. Having been proclaimed one of the Guardian’s top tips for 2010, and lauded by the likes of Alan McGee, they’ve also picked up plays on LA’s biggest radio station (the legendary Rodney Bingenheimers’ show on KROQ).
New York’s branch of Top Shop has given heavy, unsolicited exposure to the band, whilst back on home soil, Huw Stephens and Rob Da Bank at Radio 1 have been early champions. XFM, meanwhile, has hand-picked them to play their own stage at this year’s Secret Garden Party, with appearances at Leeds Festival, on top of Standon Calling, also just confirmed. Many more to follow.
The Violet May are: Chris McClure (vocals); John Kubicki (keys, guitars, vocals); Jono How (guitar); Dan Booth (bass); Alan Whittaker (drums).
28 April / London / Notting Hill Arts Club (Death Disco)
7 May / Liverpool / Greasy Lips
8 May / Sheffield / The Stockroom
15 May / Derbyshire / Bearded Theory Festival
22 May / Sheffield / Penelopes
28 May / Rotherham / Dickins
12 June / Sheffield / The Stockroom
18 June / Darlington / Seen
23 June / London / Notting Hill Arts Club (Death Disco)
24 June / Anglia / Secret Garden Party
8-9 August / Standon Calling Festival
27-29 August / Leeds Festival