NEWS Pearl Handled Revolver brings you “Colossus”… In a recent interview we were asked “Did you master the art of recording your live sound, or do you play live just like your records?” In truth, harnessing the energy and passion of our live performances has always been the ultimate goal and with 'Colossus' we feel that we succeeded. Recording ten of our finest tracks live has produced incredible results… and the time is finally upon us to share it all with you. We launch our debut album on Saturday 25th February at the legendary Bedford Esquires. Once our friends 'The Beautiful Sleazy' have warmed you all up, we'll take to the Main Stage to give you the whole show. We will be proud to play you all every track from this album … and we plan to do it in style! To be the first to lay hands on “Colossus” and hear us perform its tracks there is only one place to be. It’s quite simple… if you’re reading this, then you’re invited! So come down and join in the celebrations. In honour of all the people who helped to raise this monster… Pearl Handled Revolver bring you “Colossus” *Free entry till capacity is reached. If you wish to add your name and email to our guest list in advance to ensure entry, contact info@pearlhandledrevolver.co.uk before it’s too late!
PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER, The Psychedelic Monks in the Electric Church of Doom, The CC Smugglers Tonight The CC Smugglers made their esquires debut, delivering a unique style of country/skiffle/blues to the early crowd. One music lover was heard to proclaim "The CC Smugglers are like Mumford and Sons, only dirtier" and I have to agree. If Mumford and Sons were to do away with woeful ballads, hook Jack Daniels up to their veins and smoke Marlborough Reds then The CC Smugglers is what you'd get. Front man Rich’s patter entertains the crowd between songs, particularly when he thanks “Pearl Handled Vulva” for the opportunity to support them, before promptly blaming the band for putting him up to the friendly banter. There’s no hard feelings from the headliners though, who are seen laughing along with the rest of the room. The music speaks for itself though, and it’s a safe bet to say that this band will return to Esquires. Next to take the baton and grace the hallowed stage of esquires were the Psychedelic Monks in the Electric Church of Doom. Looking like something out of Dr Who, but sounding more like Dr Feelgood, (though considerably edgier) the three piece pounded out blues as if the rapture was upon us. Thankfully the end of time did not come, instead 30 minutes of heavy blues rock was delivered with a hint of evil (in the form of golden masks and red cloaks). This was allegedly the Monk’s first gig. On this basis the future is very bright for this band with a dark side. Since their arrival on the local scene only two years ago Pearl Handled Revolver have not only built a strong local and wider following based upon great live performances, they’ve also; self recorded 3 EPs, signed a deal with King Mojo Records, had extensive radio play in the UK, Europe and USA, supported The Black Crowes at The Paradiso in Amsterdam, signed a management deal with Blue Room Management, recorded two high quality music videos and recorded a full length album that is currently being mixed and mastered. These boys are set for great things, and you might forgive them for all this going to their head. Nothing could be further from the truth. As they take to the stage front man Vern states boldly “We love playing in this town”. When the Wu Tang Clan asked us to “check out their gravel pit” they forgot to mention that Vern had swallowed all the gravel. His voice has more texture than a roll of sandpaper and when you add his bluesy melodies into the mix you’re treated to a vocal that will be etched into your musical memory for the rest of time. But Vern’s voice isn’t the only thing to remember from this gig. Simon’s keys and organ playing is as unique as it is hook laden (in case you’re unsure, that’s very unique and very hook laden). Andy’s rifftastic guitar playing is measured and delivered with true feel. Chris’s drumming is reliable without being predictable and Oli’s bass lines hit the spot every time. On selected tracks we’re treated to twin guitars from Andy and Oli, through their pair of Fender Twin amps whilst Simon plays the bass lines on his keys. Pearl Handled Revolver play with passion, they play with heart and they play as if they’re enjoying every minute of being onstage. With such great songs, delivered by a band who play so very well together PHR could truly rise to the great heights they deserve. The appreciative audience at Bedford Esquires will, in years to come, remember the time they saw this band up close in their hometown just before the big things happened.
Pearl Handled Revolver @ The Paradiso Amsterdam A hard rain’s gonna fall – and it did – relentlessly on this particular summers night on de Weteringschans – a main artery through the west of town. Drenched tourists flock to the Hard Rock Café to ‘load face’ and bask in close proximity of rock n roll artefacts of dubious origin. Meanwhile next door actual history may just be in the making. The Paradiso – an ex 19th Century Church which once served as a centre-point for the late 60’s counter culture is a fitting setting for Bedford ‘heavy blues’ outfit Pearl Handled Revolver. This, their second visit to this exalted venue, is something of an after show party for legendary Americana merchants The Black Crowes who have just wrapped up their penultimate gig in the main hall. The Crowes audience making for the exits are surprised to be confronted with the swirling Hammond-heavy grooves of PHR as they kick off their set in one of the adjoining café bar stages. The blues connection – heavy or otherwise – is something of a misnomer though. Sure, the raw delivery of vocalist Lee Vernon evokes a certain swampy mythology but essentially PHR possess all the requisites of the kind of band they used to file under ‘Classic Rock’. Weaving a deft blend of West Coast and East Anglia they air their latest material to a crowd who go from bemused to die hard in about 0.01 seconds. PHR are all about setting and mood – light and shade – ethereality and weight. The rooms of The Paradiso resound symbiotically and you’d think their baroque rock was made for the place. |