The Specials, Tryo, Capdown, King Prawn, Sublime, The Slackers
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Sounds Like
"Buy One Get One Free is a great track, fresh and original and the band has the tightest sharpest ska sound we've ever had on the show - it grooves like a bastard." BBC6 Introducing
"Is the Pope catholic? Well, not these ones, but they sure can hold a tune! Hailing from Ealing - Queen of West London - Popes of Chillitown are not only much more sprightly than Ratzinger, but they're better looking to boot. Attendees of the Pope's divine service can expect a heavenly portion of lite-rock accompanied by a cheeky reggae relish, all served up with a smile and a sincere veneration for never giving up on the good times." Sugarape Magazine
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"A band of clear potential, with some tight and catchy 'Brit-Ska', plenty of energy and enthusiasm... in a year that promises a big dose of The Specials after all these years, and a return of MadStock, could they front the rise of new, young ska bands into the mainstream?" egigs.co.uk
"a bit quirky, like really really earlyMadness gone deep reggae maybe...fab…" Bugbear Promotions
"The sound they produce is fat with a ph" UKevents.net
"Reggae informed funk tinged geezer’s delight from London… quirky but also embracing of the commercial élan of Britpop." Bugbear Promotions
POPES OF CHILLITOWN are a six piece BritSka band from London, forged many moons ago from the tentative beginnings of late-night jam sessions between friends. The band have burst onto the London gig scene in few years with a host of performances at many well-respected venues, including the legendary London Astoria and Hackney Empire.
But a straight up British Ska band they are not. Blending genres and each of the members’ influences makes for a unique sound and a breath of fresh air from generic bands that make generic music for fear of punters not “getting it”. A typical POPES OF CHILLITOWN show boasts soaring vocals, orgasmic guitars, sexy sax solos, banging Ska beats and chunky basslines thrown in for good measure. Expect SKA, ROCK, REGGAE, DUB, DRUM AND BASS and much more.
The debut 4 track EP ‘BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, released November 10th 2008, is both a celebration of the band’s sound, and a critique on the branded, monitored world we live in. Songs such as the title track and ‘End ‘Em All’ denounce the advertising world for persuading their customers that their life is not complete without cheaper car insurance or
that extra blade on their razor. The EP as a whole remarks on how adverts constantly provide answers to questions that nobody asked in the first place, forcing many a Pope to turn their television off forever. Artwork is provided by Linda Joy of cult contemporary arthouse La Boca.
That said, the Popes aren’t afraid just to have a rocking good time. Described by the legendary Club Ska as having “bucketloads of groove, wrapped up in Indie Ska.” POPES OF CHILLITOWN are just as likely to make you move your feet as stroke your chin.
If 2008 was the year POPES OF CHILLITOWN matured, 2009 will be the year the Vatican relocates to London…PERMANENTLY!
Hey guys sorry about not playing your tune on the air yet but things have been a little hectic here at college and I haven't gotten around to it. Good news is I just read the email you sent and Dub People is one boss track. I'll definitely play it next monday on the air so tune in!
Yeah that'd be awesome, you guys got some boss tunes! Send whatever you got to houseOska@gmail.com my friend and I can throw it up on the air next week.
Ello lads (and lady) good show last night, was a really great challenge to follow! Love it. Anyway, I've started the process of arranging some shows for our October 'True Popes' tour. Let me know if you guys have any venue suggestions, plans, etc. Speak soon. Tom TrueBeat
Thanks for visiting my page and I hope you like my music. I
would appreciate it if you helped spread the word. I hope this music blesses
you every time you listen.