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Released by Dangerbird Records on 16th May 2011
‘An angry and soulful sing-along that could have been penned by Smokey Robinson’ ROLLING STONE
‘What sets Michael Fitzpatrick and their LA crew apart is their mastery of Motown-esque melodies’ SPIN
‘Positively infectious’ - ESQUIRE
Throwing guitars and autotune out the window, six killer musicians, five dapper suits, irresistible songs, and one vintage organ is all that Fitz and The Tantrums need. Drawing on a melting pot of influences spanning three decades, from 60s and 70s Motown acts through to New Wave bands such as ABC, Talking Heads and Style Council, this LA based, Dangerbird Records signed band have created a classic, soul driven sound with a 21st century twist.
In less than 18 months, Fitz And The Tantrums have gone from jamming in their living room to playing a headline sold-out nationwide US tour and performing on some of America’s highest profile TV and radio shows. They’ve played to thousands at Colorado’s world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, shared the stage on New Year’s Eve with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, enjoyed heavy rotation from the likes of esteemed KCRW Radio and performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Last Call With Carson Daly.
The Fitz and the Tantrums story began when Fitz, the svengali front man of the crew, received a call from an ex-girlfriend who’s neighbour was moving out in a hurry and had an organ he needed to sell. Within seven hours the organ went from the side of the curb into Fitz’s living room. That night Fitz stationed himself in front of that vintage instrument and wrote blue-eyed soul anthem in the making, ‘Breakin the Chains of Love’. The overflow of inspiration startled Fitz. He’d spent years in L.A.’s music industry, writing music and working in a studio with Beck and Ladytron producer, Mickey Petralia. Upon deciding where to record the first EP in order to capture the feeling and the soul of soul, Fitz knew the perfect studio: his home.
The ‘Breakin’ The Chains Of Love EP’, features a burst of effervescent swingers and floor-stompers, infused with the power of long forgotten songs. From the rolling rhythms of ‘Breaking the Chains of Love’ to the piano-banging of ‘Dear Mr. President’, this debut UK release for Fitz and The Tantrums showcases their sound at its hand-clappingly, high-energised and infectious best.
Live, Fitz and the Tantrums aren't just a band, they’re an explosion. An airtight ensemble the line-up includes funky drummer John Wicks, (a Motown B-side aficionado and prolific session player), Jeremy Ruzumna, (who manned the keys for Macy Gray) and bassist Joseph Karnes. Then there’s Noelle Scaggs, the powerful voice behind Fitz’s cooler than cobalt croons. Make no mistake; Scaggs is not just there for “doo-wops” and handclaps. She shimmies and flirts, she stokes the crowd and simmers them down, and she has no qualms about keeping Fitz in check.
‘Breaking The Chains of Love EP’ will be released by Dangerbird Records on 16th May 2011
Catch Fitz and the Tantrums live at Koko Club NME London on 5th May and Borderline London on 10th May