angry man - reviews

Angry Man / Long Way

Hailing from Peterborough, (which is certainly a long way), lead singer Scot Bingham, lead guitarist Steve Bean and Mark Randall on percussions, have produced this sweet sugared, funky album which is certainly a far cry from their inaptly named band title. With their eclectic earthy rock, progressive edged vibe and lead singer Scott Bingham's smoky edged vocals it's all very deceiving. You can see their influences slightly reflected in their style of which are Ben Harper, Damien Rice and Paul Weller just to name a few and their musical style certainly does not conflict there musical backgrounds of Jazz, Reggae and Rock.

"Another Day" is an eclectic acoustical amalgam of frivolous guitar, conniving percussions and 'cowboy' finger picking and slide playing on second guitar that encompasses a very sexy, smooth sound. In fact they remind me of Turin Brakes to some degree, although a lot more rock - esque. Their fondness of England entwined with the message of moody love, despise and life in relation is certainly 'bigged - up' in abundance as is noted in a nice upbeat "Cold England" the first track on the album and what the rest of the album fails to make up "City Sleeps", delivers that balance as a tentatively slow progressive guitar ballad that renders itself sure and with conviction as the track eventually arrives upon its second part and with increasing volume introducing percussion, which then quiets for the third part, builds up and then finally sleeps.

This is a well produced assemblage drawn together by strong talented musicians' that leave no questions unanswered and every detail attended to.

Esther La Montagne
www.extraplay.com
November 2005

Angry Man album launch @ Charters
Friday 3rd September 2004.

It was with eager anticipation and baited breath that I awaited this gig as, for the first time, I had the opportunity to review a band that I'd had the pleasure of watching before. I have to admit that I was a little bit nervous, as the last time I saw Angry Man, I was so impressed with their performance that I didn't think they would be able to even match it, let alone top it.

About a fortnight before the gig, a preview copy of their album "Long Way" (officially launched tonight) had landed on our desk at work, and had been played practically on repeat until now. Unusually, I hadn't grown tired of it yet. (Even the great Mr. Kravitz becomes monotonous after hearing the same album every day!) This is testament to the quality of the song writing. Despite having an instantly recognisable sound and maintaining an emotive theme throughout the CD, each track is distinctly different from the others.

So, after a long and very hard day at work, I head for the venue. I arrive shortly after eleven o'clock, and just in time, as midway through ordering my first drink, in kicked the distinctive, crunchy guitar of Scott Bingham. The driving rhythm, which despite being 'easy listening' is also incredibly raw, tore the customers from their conversations and into captivity. As the first few songs raced by, and the first set came to an end, there was a sudden lull in the mood as the band took their well deserved break. There was, however, some distraction for the female members of the audience, as it was their chance to swoop in on Bingham who, much to their delight, had removed his shirt during the second song, to reveal his impressive, tattooed physique.

As the second set began, the band seemed to be more relaxed. Exuberant in the knowledge that the audience was theirs for the night, (as could be seen by the queues to purchase their new CD) they really seemed to come into their prime. They rolled off some of their older songs with which the audience seemed fairly familiar, as well as the new, notably "Digest the Silence", which showcases perfectly the subtle drumming techniques of Mark Randall and the climbing lead guitar of Steve Bean, whose playing, although seemingly effortless, was intricate and flawless. As the set progressed, some of the younger (and much older) members of the audience began to dance, the beer flowed freely and everybody seemed to be having a great time.

Angry Man has a sound which I imagine one could achieve by crossing the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Turin Breaks and maybe, lyrically a bit of Radiohead (although nowhere near as depressing!). They are definitely a band with universal appeal that, amazingly, sound much better live than on their excellent CD, and I urge you to go and see them.

Stewart Bywater "Charters"
www.bluesontheboat.co.uk
September 2000

We are always keen to review new music from unsigned bands. Angry Man are such an act hailing from Peterborough the band have a very Stateside feel on this self titled debut. Lead singer Scott Bingham sounds at times like Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish. This is especially so on opener 'Cold England'. After this full on introduction the band settle down to their familiar line up of Vocals, Guitar - Steve Bean and Percussion - Mark Randall, on ''Long Way''. The album sways between these rockier tracks and the quieter more reflective tunes such as 'Digest the Silence'. Steve Beans guitar playing is a true delight in places. All in all this is well produced and performed album with thoughtful melodic songs that are unlikely to disappoint.

www.rootsmusic.co.uk
November 2004

Angry Man: I like this alot - it's different. The use of two acoustics and the bongos is pretty ingenius and my attention did not drift for one second. Lead singer was amazing! There is alot of soul and emotion in this voice that carries the performance to another level. As a group the performance was second to none. Would do very well in Amercia. I wish I could say more on Angry Man but there's not a lot else to say - they are excellent, competent, different and going places. Full Stop.

Rebecca Whitfield -
Chromium Records (A&R)