Band: Big Smoke
From: London, England
Their formation story:
(Jamie Harris, bass): "The band got started because Ethan M (drums) moved into a flat a few streets down from me and asked if he wanted to start a band. We've known each other for about 20 years and are long-term members of the London hardcore scene, playing in bands like World Weary, No Rest, Transcendence, and Sentience. We put some feelers out and got together with Lewis (vocals) and Ethan Y (guitar)."
Their sound in their own words:
"It's hardcore, pure and simple. It's most directly inspired by metallic NYHC from the '90s and early '00s; the bounce of Biohazard or Madball plus beatdown elements like from Denied or Irate. Of course, we take influence from elsewhere too, especially London's OGs like Knuckledust and 50 Caliber."
Latest release info:
"Most of the instrumentals were written years ago, but once we got the ball rolling properly, Lewis laid down the vocals and nailed it within a couple of practices. Then our long-time friend, Matt Darby (plays in a bunch of bands like Lowlife, King Street, Wears Me Out) did the mix, mastering, and recording for us. If you like the sound of the EP and would like to work with him definitely get in contact with Matt."
(Lewis Dywer, vocals): "Each song has their own themes about things that people go through and our current situations in this climate."
Future plans:
"We've got a full second EP of music pretty much ready to go. We won't record yet though, because we want to get more shows under our belt first. Promoters, hit us up!"
What other bands from their region should we check out?
"We're stoked that there's a bit of a new wave of New York-inspired metallic hardcore/beatdown bands in London, like Headstone, Lowlife, and Regress. There's too many sick UK bands to list right now, but whenever there's a new release on Northern Unrest Eecords it's a guaranteed winner, so you can check out their back catalogue."
Big Smoke on social media: Instagram
Tagged: big smoke
