ARTIST Spokes

Spokes formed as a five-piece in July 2006 and began writing extended rock songs, interspersed with drones and noise. Combining loop pedals, a laptop and violin they sought to set themselves apart by building mainly instrumental songs with a sense of urgency. From moments of quiet intimacy to intense uplifting climaxes, the group sound is allowed to build almost to the point of falling apart.

"Godspeed moments and progressive, soaring melodies, awesomely combined"

"It's incredibly easy to fall in love with an album when it takes in elements of slow-core, post-rock, shoe-gaze, folk and pop music so effortlessly, and when the richly textured instrumentation balances out grandiose gestures with quietly reflective passages, we're primed for singing praises to anyone who'll bother listening. Absolutely gorgeous stuff and a real find...." (Boomkat)

"Given the right push Spokes have the potential to breach the mainstream, the potential is there for all to see on this record. Memories of your first experience of Broken Social Scene or even Arcade Fire are sure to come flooding back, as the five-piece tap into the celebratory nature of both revered Canadian acts. Spokes are definite ‘ones to watch’, long may it continue. (Angry Ape)

"Spokes - one of our picks for 2008 - have that feel of a post-rock-indie mini-orchestra, with a gorgeous, lush and textured sound built from washes of delay and violin and occasional bits of dreamy vocal." (Manchester Music)

"Reminiscent of a certain Texan four piece, Spokes construct delicate little quiet/loud Icelandic inspired soundscapes and vocals that gently wash over you like warm spring sunshine." (Don't Panic)

"Eyes closed with the lights out, the all powerful evocative sound of 'People Like People Like You' is your passport to a daydream nation." (High Voltage)

By Hazel!