Hometown: Basildon, ENG, UK
Website: www.facebook.com
Sounds Like: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, Flaming Lips, Wild Beasts
Genre: Indie
We are The BlackHill Pioneers we’re a 4 piece rock/pop band from Essex UK. The group consists of singer/guitarist Tony Eke, singer/lead guitarist Simon Dawes, bassist Ben Frost and Chris McConville on drums. We formed early in 2016 with Chris from The Bishops joining Tony, Simon and Ben from The Trees. Our debut single Harder was released in late 2016. We’re currently busy rehearsing a host of new songs in a very hot sweaty studio.
It’s always hard to describe a sound from within but we like to think of ourselves as a rock band with a bit of pop on top.
All songs are recorded and mixed by the band in our Studio something we are proud of.
“I love this band every tune they churn out is different, more interesting better produced.
These guys work so hard to make the best possible product.”
Ollie Winiberg - BBC Introducing Essex
“Fans expecting the Pink Floyd influenced rock sound of ‘Miles’ will be in for a surprise, Sandwiched somewhere between synth pop and indie-rock ‘Guns’ sounds a bit like a poppier version of MGMT.‘Guns’ is a track which blossoms on listening. With its wickedly huge, addictive beats, massive riffs, and Tony Eke’s confident, clear vocals it’s all the makings of a modern alternative pop anthem. The single’s strength is that it is predominately as accessible as pop but still has its feet firmly gripped in the world of indie and alternative. Blackhill Pioneers are a band not afraid to mix things up and deliver the unexpected, while maintaining the quality. In the lyrics the band declare “we don’t need anyone’s help now ” They may be right, with ‘Guns’ already receiving airplay on the likes of Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing, a whole new fanbase may now beckon.”
Alternative Tracks
“The Essex outfit consists of former members of The Trees in singer/guitarist Tony Eke, singer/lead guitarist Simon Dawes, and bassist Ben Frost alongside, formerly of The Bishops, drummer Chris McConville. Neither of those bands were strangers to entangling ears and imagination in their different melodic enterprises but on the evidence of Miles, the foursome have ventured into even richer climates of sound and atmospheric exploration.
From the suggestive caresses of the guitars to the harmonic hug of keys and vocals, the single immerses ears in arresting almost haunting warmth and elegance. Darker rhythmic hues line and court that fascination of sound, never imposing but bringing a livelier undercurrent to the captivation which gets under the skin in swift time to suggest The Blackhill Pioneers are beguiling company set for bigger things.”
Ringmaster - Ringmaster Review
“Shifting away from the indie-pop sound of that first release, the band have incorporated some of their Pink Floyd influences into more of a rock track. ‘Miles‘ starts delicately on uncomplicated acoustic guitar strums, warm synth washes and the consistent beating spine of Mcconville’s drums. As the hazy vocal is introduced, the subtle multiple layers of instruments and backing vocals are added. The pace and intensity then quickens, with the guitars and vocals becoming more resolute. Propelling the track with thrilling energy and throttling everything in the mix to near-peaking cresdendo it finishes with a climax that leaves your feelings and ears resonating.With plays on BBC introducing and more releases in the pipeline, Blackhill Pioneers is a band you will hear a lot more about in the future. For now, enjoy the track.”
Alternative Tracks - Alternative Tracks