Abrasive Trees
Abrasive Trees have been described as "stunning" (BBC Introducing), "a transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance" (Post-Punk.com) and "perfectly evocative" (Aural Aggravation).
Their musical creations, led by Matthew Rochford, display a willingness to experiment alongside a sound that sits loosely within the post-punk aesthetic with definite influences from post-rock, folk and psychedelia. More accurately though they are the expressions of an inner world that is at times intense, but ultimately hopeful. Rochford’s lyrics and music connect with themes of the spiritual, the fragility of our psyche, and attempts to convey what is ultimately inexpressible.
The project has received creative input from Jo-Beth Young (Talitha Rise/RISE), Mark Beazley (Rothko), Steven Hill (Evi Vine), Ben Roberts (Evi Vine/Prosthetic Head/Silver Moth), Jay Newton (Quiet Quiet Band), Peter Yates (Fields of The Nephilim), Sebastian Swarm (Lunacy), Laurence Collyer (Diamond Family Archive), Jerome Hitchens (Kuki and The Bard), Nadia Abdelaziz (RISE) and Sebastian Rochford (Pulled By Magnets/Polar Bear/Patti Smith). Videos to accompany each release have been created by the visual artist Jess Wooller.
Multi-instrumentalist (guitar, E-bow, dulcimer, bass, drum programmes) and singer, Matthew has himself played on a variety of releases and live with Jo Beth Young (RISE/Talitha Rise), and Rothko. He’s recently worked with Elisabeth Elektra, Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), Ash Babb (Academy of Sun) and Evi Vine recording an album in the outer Hebrides.
Originally from Aberdeen but of Asian/English heritage, he mainly works from his home studio and from Matthew Board and Lucy Board’s Penquit Mill studio in South Devon.
“A transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance” Post-Punk.com
“A colossal slab of melancholic melodies, harmonies, arpeggiated chord progressions, and other post-punk/psych-rock delicacies” Words Thoughts Action
“I was mesmerised” MusoMuso
“A stunning, grungy, moody debut” BBC Introducing
“A sonic narrative, with intricate layers of wandering bass and spectral guitar melodies that give way to gliding flourishes, bringing forth an atmospheric song whose echoing vocals haunt every moment” Post-Punk.com
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Cities in Dusk
Cities in Dust – ‘like Death in Vegas meets Ride’, or r ‘lysergic groove rock’, according to Nightshift Magazine. Other comparisons have included Gorillaz, Beck and The Charlatans. A rich mix of indie rock, punctuated by a wide range of genres; there’s hip-hop and electronica, punk and psychedelia. Yet, it’s all still perfectly-formed pop!
“It’s indie rock with elements of hip-hop, electronica and psychedelia which meld seamlessly “ - Louder Than War
“Exceptionally clever songwriting, catchy rhythms, and a sense of purpose is what defines this band” - Find No Enemy
Armstrong
Armstrong are a 3 piece, independent band from the South East of England. Their anthemic indie rock is infused with emotionally driven lyrics, catchy pop melodies and a driving rhythm section to create their unique and signature wall of sound. Lead Singer Tom and Bassist Will, have been playing music together since they were 8 years old, but it wasn't until they met drummer Ollie in secondary school that they began to develop their sound, eventually emerging as Armstrong in 2018. In September 2019 they released their debut EP Glendale, named-so after staying in Glendale, Los Angeles earlier that year.
Since forming as a band they have had many achievements - including multiple BBC Introducing plays on top of frequent festival slots and headline gigs across the country.
In March 2020 they embarked on their tour including dates in Sheffield, Lancaster, Guildford and more! During Lockdown they kept together by doing distanced sessions in their drummer's driveway.
Bear is about the lifelong friendship between Tom’s Dad and “Bear", who was diagnosed with leukaemia. The song captures the emotional anguish of discovering Bear's illness, reminiscing their youth and precious friendship. "Bear" encapsulates the determination of a friend, doing whatever is needed to help someone you care about. Tom's Dad took up a strict lifestyle for months so that if it was needed, he could give Bear bone marrow, hence the core lyric "Take all you need to keep on, 'cause I need you more than my bones".
"Their new single, Bear, drives the band way past the Glendale EP and straight into the future of their own distinct sound - and we love it. Elevated by an atmospheric soundscape and bejewelled with sweet sax and silky layered vocals, it dives deep with meaningful lyrics.” - ROCK COVEN 2021
Event: Saturday 15 October, 8pm
Tickets: £5 advance / £7 on the door
Book tickets for Abrasive Trees + Support at Hampshire Cultural Trust's West End Centre, Aldershot now!
