When singer / songwriter Marcus O'Neill and jazz bassist Tom Pi moved to London and hooked up with funky sticks 'n' skins man Lewis Kirk, they must have known they were on to something.

After playing a bunch of shows at some of London's hippest venues, The Borderline, The Spitz, Cargo, 100 Club, Metro, Ronnie Scott's... they engaged the services of rogue production mercenary Dan Swift (Snow Patrol, Aqualung) and laid down their debut album.

What we now see is a finely balanced union of catchy tunes, funky beats and leopard skin fun-fur. In short, it's the money.

I especially recommend the raucous groove of "Turn it Up", the slick bass solo in "Wipe Clean Helena", and the downright playfulness of "Suicidal".

Go check out one of their shows, get yourself a copy of the LP, and feel the groove for yourself.

Let the good times roll!

Bob Weissfeldner - Tall Order Records.

Releases

• She Drinks Whisky - single, out 16/07/2007 on Tall Order Records. (post review)
• Always Together - single, out 26/02/2007 on Tall Order Records. (post review)
• Cry It All Out - album, out 25/09/2006 on Tall Order Records. 1 review (read/post)
• Suicidal - single, out 01/11/2004 on Tall Order Records. 1 review (read/post)

Past events

• Thu 01 Mar at London Camden Electric Ballroom. (post review)
• Tue 10 Oct at London Metro. (post review)
• Sun 08 Oct at Brighton Pressure Point. (post review)
• Fri 15 Sep at London Camden Barfly. (post review)
• Wed 29 Mar at London The Luminaire. (post review)
• Thu 09 Mar at London 100 Club. (post review)
• Sun 05 Feb at London Ronnie Scotts. (post review)

Links

• Big Strides official website

User ratings