Charlie Rose - lead vocals, shaky eggs and a bit of dodgy harmonica!;
Alan Rose - Acoustic, electric guitars and vocals;
Samantha Jane - violin, tamborine & backing vocals;
Malcolm Windett - 4 & 6 string bass, upright bass and backing vocals;
Keith Fletcher - drums, congas, African drum, percussion and backing vocals.
Influences
The Waterboys; U2; Hot House Flowers; The Levellers; Show of Hands; Alan was hugely influenced by bands such as Ian Dury and The Blockheads, The Clash and The Jam. Sam loves anything a little quirky and different like One Eskimo & Three Daft Monkeys; Malcolm's a huge Frank Zappa fan - but then he's a bass player, so what can you say? Keith loves the sound of the 60's. Charlie also loves MeatLoaf and sadly knows all the words to every track on Bat Out of Hell but we don't talk about that in the band! Collectively. we've been influenced by a host of other great bands too. Over the years we have definitely grown to enjoy acoustic singer songwriters more and more and some of the country singers like Alison Krauss. We also think there are some cracking bands around at the moment like Snow Patrol, and The Kings of Leon and we recently came across a fab New Zealand band called The Feelers; and who doesn't wish they'd written that amazing Elbow song - 'One Day Like This' - it took them 18 years so there's hope for us yet!
Our new mini-album 'Livin' it, Lovin' it!' is now available (see our website www.stateofundress.com). Seven great tracks including our singles produced by Grant Showbiz (Billy Bragg's long time producer) 'One More Shot (of you boy) and Red Waters plus 4 new tracks and our version of the traditional Raggle Taggle Gypsy. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
'Livin' it, Lovin' it!' was Album of the Week on BBC Radio Somerset's Emma Britton Morning Show!
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R2 Rock 'n' Reel review: '"State of Undress continue to produce a most agreeable blend of roots, country and folk-rock. Their seven-track EP Livin' it, Lovin' it! bookended by two superbly realised originals, the positively raunchy and extremely catchy "One More Shot (of you boy)" and closer the inventive, grandiose pop-rock and fiddle fired vision of "Red Waters". Between the two....cuts like the tongue in cheek "The Love Detective" and the Anglo-Americana of "Country Girl" suggests a most positive future for the five-piece."
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Maverick 5 Star Review: Traditional and modern folk effortlessly blended together ..State of Undress are an exciting folk band who effortlessly bring songs to life with their blend of music, singing and enthusiasm/energy. ...Charlie Rose takes centre stage on lead vocals and percussion. The other band members - Alan Rose, Samantha Jane, Malcolm Windett and Keith Fletcher - play a variety of different musical instruments as well as offering background vocals on many of the songs. The violin, cello, African drum and guitar all make an appearance on this new seven-song album. They open with 'One More Shot (of you boy)'. This uptempo song is an exciting choice and showcases Charlie's vocal talents. She has a wide vocal range, her voice bringing to mind many talented female artists including Norma Waterson, Barbara Dickson and Bonnie Tyler. Some great instrumentation backs Charlie up on this rock-infused folk song. The overall atmosphere this song creates reminds me of the amazing folk/rock group Rock Salt and Nails. 'Plenty More Fish in the Sea' sees the mood settle a little. There is a strong folk feel to this song. Once again Charlie is allowed to shine on lead vocals. 'Mudeford Mood' is a song about a fishing village in Dorset near to where the band comes from and is the inspiration for the title of the album. A slow song with unobtrusive instrumentation, this has a lot of atmosphere and emotion flowing through this gem of a song. 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' is a popular folk song and has been covered by many famous folk artists including The Poozies and Eliza Carthy. State of Undress put their own stamp on this classic song as they give it a bit of a facelift with a much heavier sound. Charlie's vocals add depth to the song and really bring it to life. This truly modern and somewhat crazy version might not be to everyone's taste but I think it does the song justice and gives it a wonderful eccentric sound. 'The Love Detective' sees Malcolm Windett sharing vocals on a song with a slight jazz feel to it. 'Country Girl' sees Alan Rose duet with Charlie. Alan's vocals bring instantly to mind AShley Hutchings. This song has a strong folk feel to it both in terms of the vocals and instrumentation used. All too soon the album comes to an end with a song called 'Red Waters' written by Charlie and Alan. Charlie's vocals are dazzling on this charming song which could almost be called the real highlight of the album - maybe the band have saved the best till last?
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What they’ve been saying about ‘One More Shot (of you boy)’…
Bubblier than an Aero, State Of Undress are a kind of rootsy fiddle band and they’ve got the kind of effervescence that can’t but fail to set toes-a-tapping and mouths a-smiling. This is a carefree and uptempo slice of summer and if you’re a fan of rootsy fiddle bands then check ‘em out. GM
The Crack magazine
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'One More Shot ( of you boy )’ is guaranteed to put a smile on your face - the best Summer single of 2009 so far. '
Stuart Sharkey, Hope FM
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‘It’s a rippa!’ Peter Shaw, TLC Radio, New Zealand
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Our live CD Caught in the Act! is now available. Thirteen tracks recorded at Centre Stage in Spring 2008. We have uploaded a few tracks to give you a flavour of the album. Hope you like them! If you do,you can purchase the CD direct from our website using paypal www.stateofundress.com; or online from Amazon.co.uk & play.com or from Borders in Southampton & Bournemouth (Cat no SOU004 Rosebud Records). It's also available to download from iTunes either as a complete album or track by track.
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State of Undress are a rocky rootsy 'fiddlesome' band from Dorset playing a distinctive brand of original music. Their guitar-based songs interlaced with violin in addition to bass and drums move from the thought-provoking to the shamelessly foot-tapping. And anyone who has attended a live gig knows they have a bit of a thing going on with some shaky eggs! They have been having a really great year : Lots of gigs; an autumn tour of arts centres, theatres and quirky music venues which is taking them from Devon to Scotland; and a Christmas single 'The Legend of Christmas Eve' coming out on 1st December!
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Charlie's shaky eggs are sponsored by Classic Drums, Boscombe www.classicdrums.biz
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Here's what some of the media have said about them:
'A TERRIFIC BAND ... OVERFLOWING WITH SPIRIT AND A COMPELLING ENERGY... A PERFORMANCE THAT MARRIES VERVE, POWER AND A LUNG-BUSTING JOIE DE VIVRE ... THE ACCOMPANYING BLEND OF ROOTS-ROCK, COUNTRY, CELTIC FLAVOURINGS AND A FULL-BODIED MELODIC MUSICAL ASSAULT CREATES A POWERFUL LIVE COMBINATION'
Rock 'n' Reel Nov/Dec 08
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'State of Undress remind me of on one hand the more jolly Pogues stuff and on the other The Beautiful South. They have good spirit and feel-good songs with a touch of humour about some of the lyrical content.'
BBC Southern Counties Radio
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'State of Undress...don't just talk the talk, they get out there and walk the walk..’
Maverick Magazine Jan 2008
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'Songwriters who really know their craft...not country in the accepted sense, rather a blend of folk, rock, country and a little jazz ..' Country Music Round-Up.
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'You guys have got some f****** brilliant tunes!' Jack Carroll, The Battersea Barge, London
Hiya I hope you are ok and have had a good day. Weekend is here again. Comes around so fast doesn't it? Meant to be raining and windy here again this weekend. Luckily we haven't had the floods they have had up north. Had a manic day at work today. Rushed off my feet. Crazy day. Need the weekend to rest up. Got a lot to do actually. More cards to make and reviews to write and shopping to get. Never ending!!!! Take care Sara
State of Undress are playing at Chapel Arts Centre in Bath on the 27th of november and you can buy tickets to this fab event here: www.chapelarts.org
'a terrific band ...overflowing with spirit and a compelling energy. Their accmpanying blend of roots-rock, country Celtic flavourings and a full-bodied melodic musical assault creates a powerful live combination...' Rock n Reel Magazine.
Thanks for your comment. Lovely to hear from you. I am feeling a little better today - good job as back to work tomorrow. It is raining her though so that isn't so nice. It is my Dad's Birthday today. Tonight I am off to the local Arts Centre to see a lady reading a story as part of the local literature festival. I am looking forward to it. Sara XXX
State Of Undress track 'One Man's Poison' to be aired on Merlin's Magical Music Moments; Wednesday 14th October 2009. Live on air; on Soundart Radio 102.5 fm 20.30 - 22.00 pm GMT. Probably the most eclectic mix of music currently on air. The full play list is now up on my blog.
Thanks for a lovely and energetic gig at the Trades Club. Will put on your live CD now to recover from intense morning of OU assessments... Best from Yorkshire
Charlie my wonderful Charlie, check out my myspace, l have added the videos that l took at mudeford.
Its now 24 hours since l left you all and lm suffering serious withdrawl symptoms, what a fantastic weekend, full of fun, laughter, music, poetry, sun, sea, drinks and friends and new friends. A weekend l will never forget. Each time l visit it just gets better and better.
Thank you from my heart for giving me the pleasure and joy to join you all and be with such amazing people. The love l felt over the weekend is something to be bottled and cherished for a lifetime.
Who needs anti depressants.... just being in all of your presences and hearing your music is a bigger and better tonic than no doctor could ever prescribe.
hey how are you guys? thanks for being friends : ) love your tunes, very feelgood sound, would like to see you live sometime :) hope you like our songs, cheers, toby-nionabeo
Yes Charlie my review of your Swindon gig was in Maverick magazine along with my review of Daniel Goodman's gig also in Swindon - did you see that as well by chance? I also had an album review in the magazine this month. So cool to get your gig review in the mag. You deserve all the press you can get. Hope you are ok and the rest of the band. Have a good weekend. Sara XXX
We're well thank you. Looking forward to recording some new material in the summer! I see you guys are playing up here in Newcastle later on in the year, give us a shout if you need any support for that one! All the best. Ben
Hi Charlie and Alan, many thanks for coming down last night. It was interesting having musicians listening to other people's tracks. hopefully more next Monday. Xan x
Hi Charlie I hope to meet you someday also. Dad really loved your show at the Beehive, thought it was one of the best he had been to there in ages. If your album is anything to go by then he is probably right. It is full of great songs. Hope you are ok and recovered from your busy spell. Keep in touch, Love and best wishes to you. Sara XXXX
I'll be playing your new single during my opening night at the Soul Cellar in Southampton. The night is called Showcase UK...
‘Showcase UK’ at the Soul Cellar in Southampton is expected to become the place to hear the latest recordings from south coast musicians.
Every Monday night from 11th May Xan Phillips will be playing four hours of albums, singles or demos all from CD and all made by unsigned and independent acts.
If it is made in the south it is made for ‘Showcase UK’.
Hi there I hope you are all well. I love your music, the CD Dad bought when he saw you at The Beehive is amazing. I love it so does he by the way. Have a great weekend. Love Sara XXX
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