Early History of Howl Project. (95 % Straight and True).
In the interests of factual accuracy we offer a brief retrospective of the band’s development and activities so far. Whilst we feel confident this will furnish both aficionado and dilettante with sufficient information, the insatiably curious are invited to pester us further. Observations and intrigue of all kinds should be directed in the first instance to: howlproject@hotmail.co.uk.
SPRING, 2007: Howl Project begins when KIRK-SPRIGGS (Chief Executive of Funk) and SPELACY (Jobhating English Teacher) enter the rehearsal cell together after barren years in the wilderness. Keeping eye contact and unnecessary prattle to a bare minimum, accompanied only by a drum machine and scratchy recordings of Anglo-Saxon poetry, they apply themselves to a rigorously pretentious schedule of sonic exploration. Intent amidst the degenerate screeching racket, they stumble across seminal versions of those celebrated corkers ‘The Wheel, The Wheel; The Grinding Fucking Wheel’ and ‘You’re Going Down’. RECRUITMENT DRIVE NUMBER ONE is launched to complete the band.
SUMMER, 2007: In due course GIBSON (Pope of Percussion) is lured to the rehearsal cell with the generous assurance that ‘we’ll let you leave if you don’t like it.’ In a matter of seconds he decides to pledge his powerful drumming style, his creative energies, his worldly possessions in their entirety, and indeed the rest of his natural span upon the surface of the earth, to Howl Project. Oh yeah. With renewed vigour, the nascent band continues to develop its Sensory Deprivation Chamber Muzak.
SUMMER/AUTUMN, 2007: Unruly, self-indulgent and interminable jamming of ideas at regular rehearsals. KIRK-SPRIGGS hones the patented exotic stork dancing routine (catch it while you can, comrades: you may never see its like again). And each week, over an outrageously decadent array of post-rehearsal drinks and savouries at THE SHED, a vision of what Howl might become takes shape. Most importantly, towards the end of this period the band is joined by Ms HANCY (The Voice of Howl). Bracing herself for the long task ahead, she begins the vital work of refining sonic potential in order to reveal the FORM AND MEANING of The Project.
WINTER, 2007/2008: An intensely productive phase. The fully operational Howl Project construct their first set of songs and embark upon their concert career, playing several engagements at THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE, THE BRICKMAKERS and A BARN SOMEWHERE IN SUFFOLK. In addition, they make their recording debut with the self-financed vanity demo, ‘All The Rest Is Propaganda’.
SPRING, 2008: The band continues to organise its own live performances in consequence of the unaccountable and possibly illegal lack of interest from LOCAL PROMOTERS. The Howl Stage Act - consummately professional, as those who have been privileged enough to witness it will testify - is enhanced by the introduction of Super 8 film projection at selected venues.
QUITE RECENTLY: Howl Project enlist new conspirator, SELVA ENGEL (Violin Extraordinaire) – SPELACY resurrects CHEAP SHIT GUITAR for added tremolo perversion - New material develops at alarming pace - Morale remains splendid - Concert programme advances to The Eastern Front (Gt. Yarmouth) - Long live the Revolution - It’ll be a lovely day tomorrow - Etcetera.
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