Backbeat Sound System — The Official Website

MERRY REGGAE CHRISTMAS!!!

Posted on 24/12/2011

Merry crimbo everyone!  Big love to all who came down to the Eden Project Cafe and partied outwith us for the last time this year.  We’ve had an extremely eventful year, with Barnaby breaking his ankle, and many a ridiculous situation, but we’ve come out the other end, and we are most grateful for the journey.  Many thanks also to Harry Harding, Tom Howarth & James Rew for filling in on the drums throughout the summer…we couldn’t have down it without you.  Here’s to 2012.  Merry Christmas one and all

 

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About BBSS

“Made with movement in mind. Traditional reggae music slapped upside the head with a party stick. Stomping bass, dub synths & steady grooves.“

8-piece funk reggae outfit Backbeat Sound System are a band laden with groove, their uptempo songcraft drawing from numerous influences in creation of a tight, euphoric sound.  Hailing from the charming Cornish town of St Austell, Backbeat have been smashing up the live music scene across the UK, enjoying tours and the festival circuit.

Backbeat Sound System transcend genre limitations, their music inflicted with the sensibilities of chill-wave world musics, yet is never referential. Over their two debut EPs, the band have honed a bass-led party sound that is as infectious as it is sonically interesting. On record, they use the full aural potential of the studio to craft a highly dynamic approach to recording, spacious multi-tracking and arrangements making best the format- but live, they are a different beast: these ‘serious pop’ songs inherent strengths coming to the fore and explode in a haze of onstage energy and pumping rhythm. These aren’t songs deigned for sombre reflection, though lyricist Dean Forrest is oft-taken with philosophical flights of fancy: moments of outspoken obversation or politically-oriented musings- the overriding emphasis clearly resides on imparting groove, spreading a warm, elated vibe, and empowering dancefloors as far as their music will carry.

Despite the band having only been together a short time, they are already causing heads to turn. Cornwall has a vibrant and creative music scene, but it isn’t often that a band’s success is able to cross the Tamar and spread further afield. Drummer Barnaby has enjoyed that success before though, his Barnaby Ray Quartet having thrilled audiences across the land in years previous.

Over the Summer of 2010, Backbeat toured the UK festival circuit with the Chai Wallahs stage, and shared bills across the country with the likes of Cypress Hill, Dreadzone and Dub Pistols. They will be returning to the sunshine scene in 2011 with Chai Wallahs and the Diplomats of Sound, so anticipate the uptempo vibe, don your finest dancing shoes and get your funk on.