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From the dark depths of Bristol’s legendary underground music scene come five beatnik students and one garden centre sales assistant, with a flair for crushing grooves and poignant lyricism that ignites on stage in a manic explosion of relentless kinetic energy.

Although existent in various forms since October 2006, it was not until early 2008 that the Ruckus Collective really took off, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting new bands. A constantly evolving palette of influences including funk, jazz, rock, hip-hop, ska, reggae and ambient electronica has drawn comparisons with the likes of Ozomatli and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but in reality it is impossible to categorise this remorselessly genre-smashing punk fusion party sound.

The recording of Stop, Drop, Dance! in June ’08 represented a high point for the six members, keen to capture the group’s live potential with a debut album funded by months of heavy gigging. The studio experience had ups and downs, but its result is a disc that successfully portrays the edgy creativity and incendiary dancefloor power which never fails to raise a ruckus.

Shaky times followed the recording of Stop, Drop, Dance! as University commitments caused the removal of several members from the country. Despite this enforced hiatus, spirits were kept high in the knowledge that the inevitable reunion would be one worth sticking around for.

One year on in the fall of 2009, the band are back together and stronger than ever with an increasingly heavy set. Prepare for a Ruckus ....

Please feel free to get in touch on here or via ruckuscollective[at]gmail.com - we would be overjoyed to add you to the mailing list or engage in general correspondence.

Some pics from the archives - new ones on the way soon!