Ben KP Smith: Mouth and Guitar
Steve Knight: Bass
BR-600: Book Smarts
Influences
Sounds Like
PUNKTASTIC.COM REVIEW
Eighteen months ago Punktastic highlighted the angry voice and thought-provoking lyrics of Ben KP Smith. It’s more of the same here for the now London based singer-songwriter who alongside bassist Steve Knight makes up Torn Out.
This three track demo is a no-nonsense, stripped down affair that whilst containing the production qualities you’d expect from home recording is able to rise above the tedium that mires so many professional acoustic outfits. It’s heartfelt, socially conscious and filled with a grit that makes you take notice. Knight’s subtle bass fills out Smith’s acoustic guitar without ever drowning the six-string.
Smith’s angry voice carries an anti-corporate tone throughout the three tracks. “My self esteem takes another kicking from a brash billboard” (from ‘Damaged Goods’) is the perfect example of the establishment-baiting lyrics on offer here. Torn Out isn’t about breaking up with your girl or playing a beachside campfire, it’s about sending a forceful message that some things need changing. Track 1 is called ‘Soul Of These Streets’: you definitely get the impression that Torn Out could well be this.
In a nutshell it’s gritty, self-reflective acoustic punk on a par with early King Blues material or Mike Scott’s current offerings. Brash yet sincere and well worth a listen.
Hey Guys, Sorry it took a while, but all your photos from friday at the red lion last week are up. check em out, let me know what you think. Nick - Brutal Graphics.
that, my friends, is a link to the facebook event for your gig on june26th. if you could confirm your attendance and invite all of you friends, that'd be lovely. cheers!
Ben mate, Ace show last night, everyone loved it. We'll like to see you down here again before August if you're up for it, but we'll talk about that later...
I only just found the trailer for the high plains drifter on my profile there! that's one of my all time favourite westerns!!! Still no package! I'm sad! x
i finally get to see Torn Out on friday! I can't wait :-D don't tell the other 8 bands, but i'm most excited about seeing you this weekend ;-)
I'll be at the venue from 6pm, doors are at 8pm, so if you can get there between 6+7 for soundchecking, that'd be ace. Let me know if you require directions and such.
yeah i got it, ive been busy lately though so hance the slow reply. if you like i can see if martin at noize makes enemies would be interested in doing a small feature piece, the site does cover new bands and that kind of jazz.
i write for a short fanzine about rocking (no really, thats the name), thats london based, and a website thats more indie based but i do a lot of the not-so-indie stuff. i also have my own blog but i wanted most of that to go into a print zine that never took off (hence the myspace page).
haha. YAY stickers are everywhere. you will see. i dont think i know anyone that DOESNT put shows on. are you booking? if i could fit a horse in the mail i would. although that would be pretty mean.
