cLuMsy
formed in 2001 when Joel (vox/guitar), Patch (bass/vox),
and Siggy (percussion/vox) met at Art College in Bristol.
drawing upon their shared influences - artists from Brian Wilson &
Stevie Wonder, to Bob Marley and Van Morrison - they created the
cLuMsy sound, and a procession of gigs quickly built up a strong
local following.
The unique blend of Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz, Skiffle and Soul,
played with driving percussion, energetic acoustic guitars, and
melodious bass, provide a platform for their distinct vocal
melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and unforgettable songs.
In addition to regularly playing all of Bristols top venues,
cLuMsY have played some of London’s better known ones (e.g
Barfly/Sound/12Bar). They are frequently featured on Student and
Local Radio, and they have been Podcast around the globe, from
Japan, to New Zealand.
cLuMsY also hold weekly songwriting workshops for the local Youth
Music Action Zone - REMIX - which has brought them into
contact with a whole new fanbase of local teens. In early 2004 the
band set up “IDIDIT” Studio, providing them with the means to
set about recording their debut 16–track labour of love. Recording
commenced in October 2004.
“Felt Tip Philosophies” was launched on the 28th
May at The Colston Hall, Bristol, to a sell-out audience. cLuMsY
performed the entire album with full Horn/String sections, Keys,
Banjolele, and more. Since then, they have been adding to their fan
base with a succession of gigs around the South-West, and playing
live sessions on local and student radio. Their live line-up varies
between an acoustic trio, and a full octet, complete with horns and
keys.
This is the first
time I’ve been to Mr Wolf’s for a gig, I’m normally one of those pop
in at lunch times to grab some of their great noodles type person!
Knowing that Clumsy were playing gave me good reason to head down
and experience my first Mr Wolf’s gig.
Clumsy were
performing with their full brass section which is a rare treat, and
also gives them a much more wholesome sound live. This was proven
during Fruitless when Sophie did a great Sax solo.
The crowd loved
them and their cover of Ain’t No Sunshine went down great
guns with the crowd who were dancing and singing along, having
caught the Clumsy bug during Bothered.
The usual Siggy
and Patch banter between songs kept the crowd interested, even when
Joel’s intense playing saw a broken string or two, no momentum was
lost in this gig and with songs like Artibella and the
closing cover All The Way Home to keep the crowd hooked and
dancing there really was nothing negative to say about this
gig….even I caved in and ended up dancing for a couple of the
songs!
I have to give a
special mention to Gecko who were headlining at the gig. A German
band mid-way through a UK tour they were a contrast to Clumsy being
much more Rock/Pop. The already happy crowd danced through their set
and even called them back on for an encore. Worth keeping an eye out
for these guys in future.
All round a great
gig, lots of great music, laughs and dancing, and the sound quality
in Mr Wolf’s is surprisingly good! I’ll definitely be making it one
of my regular places now! I’d have to recommend to anybody whatever
their musical tastes to check out Clumsy live…I’m yet to meet
someone who doesn’t enjoy their offerings.
