Warning! Heat Ray! formed from the ashes of The Shinings in 2008.
Ash Akhtar (programming and music) and Bob Curbishley (Vocals and music) spent the early part of 2008 recording material in Ash's bedroom studio. They released their self-funded debut single ('Spit it out') on their own label that very year receiving airplay on Radio 1, XFM, BBC Radio 6 and BBC Asian Network. 'Spit it out' was voted 14 out of 100 best tracks of 2008 by the highly regarded 'Stop Me' blog.
After the success of their debut single, Spit it out, Warning! Heat Ray! graduate from home recording duo to studio band. If you enjoyed the blunt lyrical content or dense textural layers found on their previous recordings, you'll find the new material builds upon these characteristic traits. With three new band members in tow, WHR are now an electric quintet, with the concurring sound containing additionally addictive additives.
Members:
Robert Curbishley: Vocals
Ash Akhtar: Guitars and programming
Kjell Zillen: Bass
Andy Pullen: Drums
Robin Langridge: Keyboards
Influences
The artistic temperament is a disease that afflicts amateurs. It is a disease which arises from men not having sufficient power of expression to utter and get rid of the element of art in their being. It is healthful to every sane man to utter the art within him; it is essential to every sane man to get rid of the art within him at all costs. Artists of a large and wholesome vitality get rid of their art easily, as they breathe easily, or perspire easily. But in artists of less force, the thing becomes a pressure, and produces a definite pain, which is called the artistic temperament. Thus, very great artists are able to be ordinary men-- men like Shakespeare or Browning. There are many real tragedies of the artistic temperament, tragedies of vanity or violence or fear. But the great tragedy of the artistic temperament is that it cannot produce any art.
”It’s a very powerful track. Those sampled voices send shivers down the spine” – John Kennedy (XFM)
”Yes, proper powerful stuff” – Rob da Bank (Radio 1 / Bestival)
”Stunning…knocked my socks off” – Tom Robinson (BBC 6)
”Timely social commentary mixed with deft production…killer tune” – Tim Saul (Earthling / Portishead)
”It’s a great song” – Will Hodkinson (Guardian / Mojo)
”Listen very carefully…a moving track” – Bobby Friction (BBC Asian Network)
”...one of the most powerful politically aware compositions you will ever hear” – Ollie Cornish
(GIITTV)
”...not bad at all” – Mr Scruff (Ninja Tuna)
”Cool little package all round I'd say! It's a rarity to see someone being brave enough to put music out with a political message in this day and age where everything is as fucked as its ever been so props to these guys for doing the thing, apparently they're making a loss by putting this little fella out so give 'em a hand by getting a copy and softening the financial blow! ” – Brett (Norman Records)
I have come from your Ash-EQ blog. It is looking sweet! Love the appearance updates, etc. Now I just need to get caught up on as many postings as I can.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
We're about to record a new EP but can't decide which songs to put on it. To avoid any more 'heated debates' we've decided to let the good people of the internet decide.
If you've got a spare few minutes, please head over to http://www.naomihateshumans.com - have a listen to the songs and rate them. We promise to stand by the opinions of the interweb. Even if you are wrong.
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
Take care and keep in touch.
Best, Faber.
"Just a guy trying to make the world a better place. "
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