"The single most exciting band I've encountered in a long time" - Tom Robinson, BBC6
"A stricken, subtonic dream of London that makes the capital feel fresh" - NME
"I feel that we could potentially look back upon 'I am alive and you are dead' in years to come and view it as a classic. We should celebrate it for its vision and for its courage" - Artrocker Magazine
"Orphans and Vandals are one of the most unique bands I’ve heard for quite some time; their music is shocking, disturbing, brilliant and compelling... a shock to the senses" - The Von Pip Musical Express
"This is the best band in London... This is music as a living breathing entity; nothing by numbers... In an hour they prove that this is one of the years most exciting releases from one of the most exciting bands to come out of London in an age.." - The Gay Times
“The record is a startling anthology of wide-eyed journeys through sprawling cities, half-lidded, semen-soaked musings, bittersweet lullabies, explicit, illicit rants and moments of smouldering, intense stillness that are never quite still. It truly is alive: it breathes.” – Loud and Quiet
"...an epic nine track wonder, powered by Al Joshua's mesmerizing delivery...dizzyingly complex arrangements recorded live... A facinateingly articulate talent emerges." - Attitude
"The best new band in London" - Pop Junkie
"Terra Firma [is] kind of wonderful, eight-minute poetic travelogue passionately intoned over minimalist/maximalist rickety strings" - The Fly
"...some of the most dark and disturbing, yet completely compelling music I have heard...Their style is visionary and bold, and no doubt will split people down the middle. But you can't help but be profoundly affected by it and Orphans & Vandals should signify an exciting chapter in new music." - www.contactmusic.com
“As a rock record, it is simply tremendous. As a debut, it so exceeds expectations the mind reels. The fact five separate individuals have been able to coalesce this beautifully—and to produce art this vital—renews my faith in rock ‘n’ roll for at least another decade. Anger, joy, devastation and black humor—really, it’s all here. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you 55 minutes of the best music you will hear all year. 9/10” - www.popmatters.com
"Every word on I Am Alive And You Are Dead feels shaped, purposeful, referential and sublime... Orphans And Vandals combines musicianship with lyrical artistry to affect listeners in a strange and wonderful way... It's magic and resonance is completely inexplicable. Like most respectable art, you have to lose yourself a little to fully appreciate its intricacies. What you will find with Orphans And Vandals is worth the trip." - www.cmj.com
“…one of the most interesting bands I've ever had the fortune to see… one of the most remarkable and spellbinding debut albums to have ever been released… has to be heard to be believed… Orphans And Vandals have created a simply incredible and bewitching album that reeks of originality, romance and heartbreak, that'll literally take your breath away. 10/10” - rbfanzine.co.uk
“Orphans & Vandals might just be the most exciting band of the year…It's entirely captivating and unflinching in its imagery and bravery and ultimately, it heralds an important voice in new British music…It's a dirty world out there, but it is one worth exploring with Al Joshua guiding you though it all. Don't be surprised to find this magnificent record itself amongst 2009's best. 4 ½ / 5” - - www.musocomh.com
“Joshua’s flowing spoken word delivery - more a tumbling stream of consciousness than written lyric – provides the eloquent call to arms that incites the menagerie of melody.” – Backlash Magazine
“Orphans and Vandals create romantic music of the street; harsh, dangerous, melancholic yet heartbreakingly euphoric all at the same time.” – God is in the TV
A nice surprise listening to the album. Sending you good vibes for a long and happy career doing what makes you and others happy. Hope to see you in Chicago very soon!
NoOneDied presents a FREE all-day micro-festival set in the shores of Highgate, featuring acoustic bands: Orphans&Vandals(Al Joshua solo), Allo Darlin', Loyal Trooper, Pop Martyr, Marcel. Plus DJs, facepainters & games (quiz, pin-the-cock-on-iggy-pop, CD lucky dip & prize draw).
Bank Holiday Sunday (24th May @ The Boogaloo Highgate.
Thanks for a wonderful in-store gig today - it was great to spend lunchtime with such talented people as yoursleves (& the smiliest drummer in town!) Al, I know you said it was a bit of a funny time for a show - all I can say is that I wish I was as articulate when I'm bleary-eyed! Ha! Couldn't have been that bad as you were brave enough to remove your shades...:) Anyway, I'm SO glad I finally made it to one of your shows. Shall be listening to your cd a great deal between now & the next time I catch you. Good luck with it all, Px
A review of the 'I Am Alive And You Are Dead,' album has been posted to my website at LOUD HORIZON MUSIC.COM - a direct link to the site may be found on my Home Page.
hope you guys all have a really great evening tomorrow! and enjoyed rome!!! Paris awaits you... now im settled a bit i'll start to get on few ppls backs about gig options if u'd like em. xxx
Hello you lovely lot! bit late, but Just wanted to say how good it was to see you all in Hoxton and really gutted to have missed last night..I bet it was amazing and do hope to catch you all soon. Love to you all, oh, and have an amazing time in Rome!! watch out for the cocktails.. xxxx
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