Oxford–based quintet The Rock of Travolta is back with two additions to the line-up and plenty of new material.
2006 saw Oxford post-rock outfit The Rock Of Travolta return, transformed with the addition of guitarist Matt Spooner and cellist / pianist Jennie Bates. Die-hards will be pleased to know that they retain the hallmarks of the original Rock, but the current line up adds a fresh approach and brand new material, marking the beginning of a new era for The Rock of Travolta.
Formed in 2000, the band played their first gig in front of 50 people in a cow shed that summer but by the following year they had played in front of 45,000 supporting Radiohead at their immense South Park gig, released two records, recorded a John Peel Session and featured at No.48 in his Festive Fifty.
Between 2002 and 2004 there were two more EP releases and the release of their 2nd album Uluru, alongside touring with Oceansize, Trans Am, Seafood, Kat Bjelland, Do Make Say Think amongst others, alongside sell-out gigs in their home-town Zodiac venue.
In late 2005 the addition of the two new members spurred the band into writing new material and getting back out there gigging. After playing at venues such as Moles and Joiners, the new line up made their Oxford debut at a packed Cellar – gaining them critical acclaim in the local press and from the BBC, who hailed them as a band in a class of its own with phenomenal stage presence and an awesome sound. Oxford’s music magazine ‘Nightshift’ agreed, describing the sound riot as ‘exhilarating to behold’ and as fresh, vigorous and downright brutal as ever.
Headline gigs in various London venues followed and media were quick to pick up on the excitement, with the band featuring on BBC Radio Oxford and on ITV South Central news. In July 2006 the band played on the main stage of the Truck Festival alongside the likes of The Mystery Jets and Jetplane Landing. TROT’s performance not only excited Kerrang, who exclaimed that electro squelches morph into shattering rock complexity, but also led to appearances on the documentary Rock Feed Back on MTV 2 and Channel 4, who featured the band’s Truck performance and post-set interview.
More new material and further gigs have led critics to say that 2006 has ‘set Mk. II of the band well on their way back to the top of the pile.’ (Oxfordbands.com).
‘they’re still ablaze with symphonic rock and roll glory…Every time we see the Rock of Travolta we want to scream their name from the rooftops and grab passing strangers to make them understand. This band ROCKS! Period.’ (Nightshift Magazine)
Come and join us... either for one or both!! TWO great shows - 2.00pm in The Unicorn Theatre Fantastic tiny historical theatre with lorry-loads of atmosphere! Great opportunity to see top bands in a unique setting. 7.00pm in The Stocks Bar, Abingdon The whole Ratpack gang go bigger, bolder and louder!! Brilliant day of music..
Alright guys. Was great finally putting noise to the name!! I was grinning like a bastard all through your set! what I want to know though is what the track you played for your encore is called?
Hey Jon and all... long time no see! Hope all is cool with The Rock... still haven't seen you guys with the new (since like three years) line-up... unlikely now I'm over here in Paris :) You planning on a European tour any time soon?
Our debut full-length album "Spectre At The Feast" is to be released by Wicked Wicked Bird Records on April 2nd and will be available for purchase from our website www.thehellsetorchestra.co.uk from then onwards. You can hear clips and see videos from the album on our MySpace page now.
To celebrate, we're holding two album launches; one at The Maze, Nottingham on Saturday 31st March and the second at Water Rats, London on Sunday 1st April. Do come along to either if you are able, they promise to be monumentous occasions.
Dave - Guitar
Matt - Guitar, Bass, Keys
Jon - Bass
Jennie - Cello, Keys
Joey - Drums
