Sugarmonkey
sugarmonkey are a four piece rock guitar band based in London, UK. Their "prog-mosh" sound combines the edgiest of British and American rock with a world of other influences.
A rapidly growing following and a dash of great reviews for their recent single indicate big things for these guys and their energetic live show.
History
London's sugarmonkey climbed to the heights of local headlining during 2005 with a dedicated following and a dash of keen reviews celebrating their indie guitar music, their energy and even their looks. "They happen to be monumental in their handsomeness, and there’s certainly more still to recommend them" gushed Playlouder, while Outlineonline predicted that "this band will be big in the next 12 months, so jump on the bandwagon whilst there’s still room".
The band, made up of South African singer/guitarist Jo Edwards, Aussie guitarist Chris Coutts, and Brits Ben Gibson on bass and drummer Dave Rees, were tipped at the start of the year by NME, their summer demo hailed by Hit Sheet, and GRTR! declared "this band could be snapping at the heels of their more established contemporaries in 2006".
The debut sugarmonkey single So Far Too Late was released on January 23rd 2006, the day their first UK tour began at East London’s trendy venue The Spitz. Flipside Magazine observed that So Far Too Late featured "dreamy melodies, choir boy vocal range, fine guitars and a killer chorus. Get ready for a sugar-coated overload in 2006."
With great things ahead, the Irish Post announced that "their essential musicianship shines through...the rock quartet clearly has hopes of the big time", with The Sun (referencing their simian moniker) confident that they "might not yet have enjoyed the same success as their monkey rivals but the rock group have plenty to crow about".
Television appearances
sugarmonkey's first TV appearance is set for recording 9th August when they will perform and be interviewed on the "The Official International Download TV Chart Show" at East London's Cargo club, broadcast afterwards on Sky/Invincible in 42 countries.
Band members
Jo Edwards - Vocals and Guitar
Born of British parents in a small town in sunny South Africa, Jo moved to London to pursue his passion for music in the big wide world.
Rock idols : Thom Yorke, Matt Bellamy, Chris Martin
Chris Coutts - Guitar
Born in Sydney, Australia, Chris has spent the last few years living in London. Let's face it, it's not for the weather - for Chris, it's all about the rock. He's into rock like other people are into air. And right now London rocks! ROCK!
Guitar heroes: John Frusciante, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix
Ben Gibson - Bass and Vocals
Also known as (among other things) Daniel "the Chainsaw" Stickman sugarmonkey's bass virtuoso has had his playing compared to the very best in rock. That's what you get when you've been playing the bass since you were born.
Other accolades include "Choirboy of the Year" and "Drunkest Man in the Venue", fortunately on separate occasions.
Bass heroes: Flea, Flea, Flea
Dave Rees - Drums
From his humble beginnings in Berkshire not far from London, Dave's travels have taken him to Tokyo and back. However, his search for a snare drum that doesn't buckle under his mighty rock power continues to this day.
Rhythm Kings: John Bonham, Dave Grohl, Ginger Baker
Discography
Albums
To be completed...
EPs
To be completed...
Singles
To be completed...
Videos
- "Whatever I" video was released online and can be viewed on the official website.
- "So Far Too Late" video was released online and can be viewed on the official website.
- "Welcome To My Life" is to be released soon and will be available on the official website.