The band consists of Matt Herbert on vocals and 12 string acoustic guitar, Vic on bass and Joe on drums. Their combination of upbeat blues and soul have earned them rave reviews from around their home of Essex and beyond, as well as an impressive following.
From a punk rock background thrashing it out Matt soon turned to writing acoustic songs and found the music "a lot more honest to play and write."
He soon recruited Pete and Joe to join him and Matt Herbert & the Heavy Hitters were born.
The band have since gone on to wow audiences around the south east and London, and have been asked to provide their music to soundtrack some snowboarding films. Add this to some radio airplay and the future is looking bright.
For something that started as a laid back project things have gone from strength to strength for the band. Their satisfaction from playing this music is evident from live performances, joking with the crowd between songs and throwing in a couple of covers to keep toes tapping.
The band love playing this so much that they cant help but get carried away by it all - and at the moment they can't think of a better way to get carried away! Thank you if you have or are thinking about coming along to a show!
Dave Arcari, hard rocking blues artist "Matt Herbert's a monster force in his own right, and just when I thought it couldn't get better the guys kicked in and delivered right what it says on the tin. Hit me hard. Hit me good."
Martin Harley, slide guitarist "Had a listen to your stuff, sounds really good!"
JT Fountain, producer/editor of bikecarmovie.com "I just had a listen to your music and I love it! I'll definitely keep you in mind for future projects I have coming up"
Sandi Thom, singer/songwriter "Liking your sound! Big love, Sandi x x"
Phil Hilborne, guitar legend "Nice stuff. It's good to hear a 12 string used in that way. Keep it up!"
Alex Mew, Faith Guitars "Your music shows your raw talent and inventiveness, and as Phil said, it's great to hear a (Faith) 12 string used like that!"
The Barhouse 2 Chelmsford 20th May 2009
Matt Herbert and The Heavy Hitters are Chelmsford based and have a residency in Brighton. They describe themselves as bluesy and folk,’thundering acoustic blues’. In fact they provided a total contrast to the raucous energy of the previous bands and in doing so,provided a gentler,more rounded, musicalview. Matt has a perfect voice for this genre of music. Connected to the audience through banter and joke -in some respects they seemed to encapsulate what the Barhouse felt like- watching your mates play for the sheer hell of it and understanding the pleasure that they were feeling-just the right touch and feel to round off the evening.The lyrics are heartfelt,they work as an harmonious whole with catchy tunes and great harmonies.”Save me’ and the instrumental I heard at the end were for me the highlights of their set,no heavy hitting-their work is far too subtle for that- and all the better for being so.
Tufnell Park Dome, Surface Unsigned Semi-Final
Heavy Hitters is right! Straight away your ear is caught by the metaphorical hook on the wire. Matt took centre stage with his twelve string guitar! It adds a bluegrass style and makes you think of the Deep South, shanty shacks and Triple X whisky. It’s enjoyable and with the fast and attractive timing you’re wrapped up in the whole thing and left wanting more.
Surface Unsigned Festival
Matt Herbert was the first guitar player of the festival to play sat down, but we quickly understood why when we saw his hands move with speedy agility across his black 12-string slide acoustic guitar. His intricate accords definitely require complete comfort and concentration, hence the chair. Given that today was bassist Pete Hudson’s 25th birthday, the gig was doubly special. Matt Herbert & the Heavy Hitters performed an expert arrangement of bluesy, funky and folk acoustic rock. A particularly unique and brilliant track was When I Get Done, which featured guitar-tapping as percussions and superb vocals. Matt Herbert and his band are exceptionally talented and promising. End of.
The Cellar Bar, Chelmsford
Last up come the thundering 12 string blues folk of Matt Herbert & the Heavy Hitters proving that not only is the Cellar perfect for live music, but it can accommodate a drum kit too. Like David Harvey - the evening's opener - Matt Herbert has done a full 360 from his days as a local punk legend at The Army &: Navy and now plays beautiful and soulful acoustic music. Thankfully his punk ethos is still intact and this allows him to still have faith and understanding in his fellow musicians and most importantly his music. Though the over sized drum kit may look a little daunting to those expecting a quiet night out let this not fool you as Matt and his band will warm your soul as sweetly as any delta blues singer.
The Cramporn Theatre , Chelmsford
Headliners 'Matt Herbert & Heavy Hitters' gave us a tour de force of americana and blues ladened with a virtuosic display of 12 string slide guitar 'oh and not forgetting their usual comedy antics and interaction with the audience'.
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Matt Herbert & The Heavy Hitters's Friend Space (Top 19)
that sounds cool, you'll have to let me know how to get hold of a copy :). we're doing the same at the mo, we've got our launch party later, should be a laugh, lol! xxx
Thanks for entertaining us in Manchester, enjoyed the night, have you considered wearing that gold outfit that woman was wearing in the pub afterwards?
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