Photo of Gecko

Gecko

Gecko Radio

General Info

  • Genre: Acoustic / Experimental / Pop

    Location South East London and the South West, Un

    Profile Views: 136951

    Last Login: 1/3/2012

    Member Since 7/6/2006

    Type of Label Indie

  • Bio

    .. Available now from .. iTunes.. , ..Gecko's official online store!.. and ..Banquet records... .. .. .. .. London based band Gecko's fresh take on acoustic pop is a flood of optimism and energy. Think Vampire Weekend's indie eye view of world music via Randy Newman's playful wit and Roots Manuva wordplay. This is party music with a singer songwriter's eye for a story. .. .. It's a sound honed across the underground live circuit from Glasgow to the Netherlands with wide-eyed charm. Gecko have toured constantly from inception initially taking the guise of travelling players. With guitars on their backs, snare drums on their hips running whole tours using the train and coach network. Although now using the more conventional vehicle method cramming estate cars or people carriers with drum kits, keyboards, guitars and a bit of love for good measure. .. .. The founding members Will (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Si (bass) met at school in Gloucestershire forming various bands together along the way. The early permutations of Gecko were happening as they attended music college in Bristol and in 2008 the two of them moved to London. Many different musicians along the way a final lineup was set in stone in 2010 as Londoner Ben (drums) joined alongside Gabriel (keys/percussion) from Devon. Will's sister Maisie has added recently backing vocals. .. .. The band have received numerous plays from Mike Davies BBC Radio 1 show including when Itch (lead singer of The King Blues) chose their track 'Falling down' as his 'Song of the year'. The band's incessant touring has included stops at prestigious venues such as Camden's Jazz Cafe and Roundhouse alongside acts such as The King Blues, Dreadzone, Man like me, The Slackers and Natty. .. .. Gecko has received airplay from BBC Radio 1 (Mike Davies), BBC 6 Music (Tom Robinson), Kerrang! Radio and BBC Radio Bristol. .. .. ...... .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

  • Members

    .. .. .. Will Sanderson-Thwaite-Vocals/Acoustic guitar .. Si Cole (Raymond)-Bass/soulmate .. Ben Mckone-Drums .. Gabriel Casey-Piano/Percussion/vocals/Guitar .. + a deluge of guest musicians .. .. ..Contact Band:.. .. ..contactgecko@gmail.com.. ..

  • Influences

    Eels, Bob Marley, Sublime, Fela Kuti, Lightyear, The Beatles, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, The Clash, John Hegley, Householdname records, The Cure, Dizzee Rascal, The King Blues, Paul Simon, Vampire Weekend, Nas, Foals, Stewart Lee, Daniel Kitson, Dave Chappelle, KRS 1, Ben Folds Five, Eminem, Bright eyes +many more

  • Sounds Like

    Have a listen... .. .. 'Gecko fearlessly crosses folk, reggae and hip hop, beautifully detailing life, love and friendship. Raw, talented and in my opinion, one of the best songwriters in the UK.' .. .. Jamie Jazz, The King Blues.. .. .. 'I like it, I'll be playing it a lot more.' .. ..Mike Davies, BBC Radio 1 (on track 'Where I've Gone').. .. .. ''Stop Look Lizard!' is quirky, witty, lyrically delightful and bloody fine..the more spins you give it, the more it flirts with those eardrums, giving off an easy-going presence that lulls you in. A ridiculously charming little number. (4/5)' .. ..Punktastic.com (EP Review).. .. .. 'Gecko, I really, really like Gecko, a Bristol band...They're really good, like The King Blues and Bedouin Soundclash with a little bit of Jamie-T. The guy, Will, who's band it is, he's really, really good, he's super talented and Mike Davies has been playing their tunes. ' .. ..Laila, Sonic Boom Six.. .. .. 'Gecko is a sound you can effortlessly enjoy...the upbeat tunes are seemingly simple but catchy, innovative but so refreshing like a slap in the face of cool Caribbean air...Its without doubt one of the best EP's I have had come through the letterbox and has the ability to inspire, reinvigorate and enlighten your lives, your love for music and the hope that charming, creative and intelligent music can still succeed, change moods and raise pulses.' .. ..Distorted magazine (EP Review).. .. .. 'When I'm in the mood for stimulating, uplifting, West Country acoustic ska-pop, I always turn my dial towards Gecko. That should be quite enough for you to do the same' .. ..Barney, Sonic Boom Six.. .. .. 'Few things spark the buzz that Gecko seem to have... Stop, Look, Lizard pitches up in a cute little yellow sleeve, is four short songs long, and, frankly, is so good it should be on the national curriculum...It's jam-packed with hooks, it makes you sing and dance, and grin like a fool. It's lyrically amusing, incisive and true, and it's loaded with harmonies as smooth and as sweet as honey. It's wonderful.' .. ..Bananatown.co.uk (EP Review).. .. .. 'Wow. It just doesn't get better than this. If you want fresh and interesting lyrics that you will wake up thinking about and then find your self quoting at parties or intensive discussions with impressionable friends, then this is the sound to listen to...I now find that I have an addiction that will only be satisfied by a two CD 32 track release of Gecko magic...Thank you Gecko, you made Bristol Rocks roll to a whole new level' .. ..Bristolrocks.co.uk (EP Review).. .. .. 'Gecko's album is quite brilliant...It was a delight to hear and to play on the programme. Varied, full of charm and wit, and tracks you can dance to. Job done!' .. ..Gary Smith, BBC Bristol introducing.. .. .. 'Undoubtedly the most refreshing and instantly addictive release that I have heard here at Do the Dog HQ in many moons is 'Stop, Look, Lizard!' the truly superb new 4 song EP from Gecko...Effortlessly blending reggae, folk and hip hop styles in a wonderfully soulful and uplifting pop parcel...Inspirational stuff indeed! ' .. ..Do the Dog Skazine (EP Review).. .. .. 'Vampire Weekend had a big orgy with the Arctic Monkeys and this came out. African-ska-indie-folk-tweepop. And you know what? It's one of the best things I've heard this month' .. ..Subba-culture.com (EP Review).. .. .. 'Songs in the Key of Lizard is a sophisticated effort. Bags of charm, musically creative and lyrically thought provoking throughout. An addictive listen. The live performances are full of energy and sparkle too. We're watching Gecko with interest' .. ..James Walshe, Kerrang! Radio and Q Radio.. .. .. 'An extremely talented, young, enthusiastic band who are always a pleasure to have play at our venue. Totally professional and really know how to entertain a crowd! Can't wait to see what these guys do next!' .. ..Mr Wolf's, Bristol.. .. .. 'An incredible spectacle blending sometimes heartfelt, sometimes comedic lyrics with a hotpot of musical styles that keeps you guessing until the very end. (4/5)' .. ..Punktastic.com (Live @The Underworld review).. .. .. 'Can't Move' is just sheer sarky genius. Gecko is sharp as hell, his tunes are killers, his words amuse and provoke in equal measure: he knows his history. Generation-crossing stuff. If you're 20, play it to your parents. If you're 50, play it to your kids. Randy Newman meets The King Blues at an all night campfire Strummeralong. Great stuff!' .. ..Attila the Stockbroker.. .. .. 'Will has strong song-skill' .. ..John Hegley.. .. .. 'Will Sanderson-Thwaite (aka Gecko) has an upbeat and unaffected honesty both in his voice and artfully uncontrived lyrics. 'Songs In The Key Of Lizard' pretty much covers the big things in life-love, terrorism, Guanabana Juice, gorillas-in a grounded and wittily personal way' (4/5) .. ..Tony Benjamin, Venue Magazine.. .. .. 'Of all the CDs bands have given me over the past few years, the Gecko album has received the most play at my place. I put it on. My house mates put it on. Awesome vibes!!' .. ..Chris Murray.. .. .. 'Gecko is without a doubt one of the brightest new talents in the South...Songs in the key of Lizard is exceptional for its originality, intelligent lyrics, melodic tunes, positive content and general overall feel...this CD is fantastic. One of the two best that we have ever received at Bristol Rocks for review. Buy it Buy it Buy it!!!!!!!!' .. ..Bristolrocks.co.uk.. .. .. ''Upbeat headliners Gecko complete the vitamin D top-up with their life-affirming, breezy tunes...the accomplished boy-girl vocals and infectious optimism create a perfect party soundtrack' .. ..Anna Rutherford, Venue Magazine (Live @Mr Wolf's, Bristol review).. .. .. 'It's one album I know I'll come back to and enjoy again and again, it's also a big step forward for this young man and opens up a career in front of him, that it seems he can take in whatever direction he wants to. A real talent.' .. ..The Beat Surrender.. .. .. 'a singer/songwriter of some note judging by his second album which combines The Streets' style delivery with gorgeously lilting tunes and bags of invention. Hooks abound and his scattershot lyrical concerns are a constant delight. One to watch.' .. ..The Crack magazine, Newcastle.. .. .. .. ........

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Bio:

Introducing the new Ep from Gecko: 'Stop, Look, Lizard!'
Available now from iTunes , Gecko's official online store! and Banquet records.

Produced and mixed by Peter Miles' expert hands (The King Blues, Sonic Boom Six) this is pop music with a punk rock ethic, dance music with a singer songwriter's eye for narrative, Acoustic music brimming with electricity.

Think Vampire weekend's indie take on world music, Roots Manuva's poetic britishness and the playful wit of Randy Newman.

With support from the likes of Radio 1's Mike Davies, The King Blues and punk poet Attila the Stockbroker the future looks exciting for Gecko.

Gecko have played alongside many brilliant acts including The King Blues, Sonic Boom Six, The Blockheads, Dreadzone, The Aggrolites, Chris Murray, Mouthwash, The Skints, Bellatrix and The Boxettes, Babar Luck and John Hegley.

Gecko has received airplay from BBC Radio 1 (Mike Davies), BBC 6 Music (Tom Robinson), Kerrang! Radio and BBC Radio Bristol.



Member Since:

July 06, 2006

Members:

.. ..

Will Sanderson-Thwaite-Vocals/Acoustic guitar

Si Cole (Raymond)-Bass/soulmate

Ben Mckone-Drums

Gabriel Casey-Piano/Percussion/vocals/Guitar

+ a deluge of guest musicians

..Contact Band:..

contactgecko@gmail.com

Influences:

Eels, Bob Marley, Sublime, Fela Kuti, Lightyear, The Beatles, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, The Clash, John Hegley, Householdname records, The Cure, Dizzee Rascal, The King Blues, Paul Simon, Vampire Weekend, Nas, Foals, Stewart Lee, Daniel Kitson, Dave Chappelle, KRS 1, Ben Folds Five, Eminem, Bright eyes +many more

Sounds Like:

Have a listen...

‘Gecko fearlessly crosses folk, reggae and hip hop, beautifully detailing life, love and friendship. Raw, talented and in my opinion, one of the best songwriters in the UK.’
Jamie Jazz, The King Blues

‘I like it, I'll be playing it a lot more.’
Mike Davies, BBC Radio 1 (on track 'Where I've Gone')

‘‘Stop Look Lizard!’ is quirky, witty, lyrically delightful and bloody fine..the more spins you give it, the more it flirts with those eardrums, giving off an easy-going presence that lulls you in. A ridiculously charming little number. (4/5)'
Punktastic.com (EP Review)

‘Gecko, I really, really like Gecko, a Bristol band...They’re really good, like The King Blues and Bedouin Soundclash with a little bit of Jamie-T. The guy, Will, who’s band it is, he’s really, really good, he’s super talented and Mike Davies has been playing their tunes. ’
Laila, Sonic Boom Six

‘Gecko is a sound you can effortlessly enjoy...the upbeat tunes are seemingly simple but catchy, innovative but so refreshing like a slap in the face of cool Caribbean air...Its without doubt one of the best EP’s I have had come through the letterbox and has the ability to inspire, reinvigorate and enlighten your lives, your love for music and the hope that charming, creative and intelligent music can still succeed, change moods and raise pulses.’
Distorted magazine (EP Review)

‘When I'm in the mood for stimulating, uplifting, West Country acoustic ska-pop, I always turn my dial towards Gecko. That should be quite enough for you to do the same’
Barney, Sonic Boom Six

‘Few things spark the buzz that Gecko seem to have... Stop, Look, Lizard pitches up in a cute little yellow sleeve, is four short songs long, and, frankly, is so good it should be on the national curriculum...It’s jam-packed with hooks, it makes you sing and dance, and grin like a fool.  It’s lyrically amusing, incisive and true, and it’s loaded with harmonies as smooth and as sweet as honey.  It’s wonderful.'
Bananatown.co.uk (EP Review)

‘Wow. It just doesn’t get better than this. If you want fresh and interesting lyrics that you will wake up thinking about and then find your self quoting at parties or intensive discussions with impressionable friends, then this is the sound to listen to...I now find that I have an addiction that will only be satisfied by a two CD 32 track release of Gecko magic...Thank you Gecko, you made Bristol Rocks roll to a whole new level'
Bristolrocks.co.uk (EP Review)

‘Gecko's album is quite brilliant...It was a delight to hear and to play on the programme. Varied, full of charm and wit, and tracks you can dance to. Job done!’
Gary Smith, BBC Bristol introducing

‘Undoubtedly the most refreshing and instantly addictive release that I have heard here at Do the Dog HQ in many moons is 'Stop, Look, Lizard!' the truly superb new 4 song EP from Gecko...Effortlessly blending reggae, folk and hip hop styles in a wonderfully soulful and uplifting pop parcel...Inspirational stuff indeed! '
Do the Dog Skazine (EP Review)

‘Vampire Weekend had a big orgy with the Arctic Monkeys and this came out. African-ska-indie-folk-tweepop. And you know what? It’s one of the best things I’ve heard this month'
Subba-culture.com (EP Review)

‘Songs in the Key of Lizard is a sophisticated effort. Bags of charm, musically creative and lyrically thought provoking throughout. An addictive listen. The live performances are full of energy and sparkle too. We’re watching Gecko with interest’
James Walshe, Kerrang! Radio and Q Radio

‘An extremely talented, young, enthusiastic band who are always a pleasure to have play at our venue. Totally professional and really know how to entertain a crowd! Can’t wait to see what these guys do next!’
Mr Wolf's, Bristol

‘An incredible spectacle blending sometimes heartfelt, sometimes comedic lyrics with a hotpot of musical styles that keeps you guessing until the very end. (4/5)’
Punktastic.com (Live @The Underworld review)

‘Can't Move' is just sheer sarky genius. Gecko is sharp as hell, his tunes are killers, his words amuse and provoke in equal measure: he knows his history. Generation-crossing stuff. If you're 20, play it to your parents. If you're 50, play it to your kids. Randy Newman meets The King Blues at an all night campfire Strummeralong. Great stuff!’
Attila the Stockbroker

‘Will has strong song-skill’
John Hegley

‘Will Sanderson-Thwaite (aka Gecko) has an upbeat and unaffected honesty both in his voice and artfully uncontrived lyrics. 'Songs In The Key Of Lizard' pretty much covers the big things in life-love, terrorism, Guanabana Juice, gorillas-in a grounded and wittily personal way’ (4/5)
Tony Benjamin, Venue Magazine

‘Of all the CDs bands have given me over the past few years, the Gecko album has received the most play at my place. I put it on. My house mates put it on. Awesome vibes!!’
Chris Murray

‘Gecko is without a doubt one of the brightest new talents in the South...Songs in the key of Lizard is exceptional for its originality, intelligent lyrics, melodic tunes, positive content and general overall feel...this CD is fantastic. One of the two best that we have ever received at Bristol Rocks for review. Buy it Buy it Buy it!!!!!!!!’
Bristolrocks.co.uk

‘'Upbeat headliners Gecko complete the vitamin D top-up with their life-affirming, breezy tunes...the accomplished boy-girl vocals and infectious optimism create a perfect party soundtrack’
Anna Rutherford, Venue Magazine (Live @Mr Wolf's, Bristol review)

‘It’s one album I know I’ll come back to and enjoy again and again, it’s also a big step forward for this young man and opens up a career in front of him, that it seems he can take in whatever direction he wants to. A real talent.’
The Beat Surrender

‘a singer/songwriter of some note judging by his second album which combines The Streets’ style delivery with gorgeously lilting tunes and bags of invention. Hooks abound and his scattershot lyrical concerns are a constant delight. One to watch.’
The Crack magazine, Newcastle

BBC Introducing with Tom Robinson on 6music

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