Asbo KaSINo
Back to basics rock and roll is the mission of Asbo KaSINo, a new band created by musicians from a number of different North West groups. BBC Introducing finds out if the new mix is worth the gamble.
Asbo kaSINo are Lenn, Pete, Mike, Matt and Andy, five friends who wanted to do something different from their existing musical projects. Among the lineup are members of established North West groups Redmojo, Lawsons Love Theme, Lazyfader and The Weekenders.
Getting together in February 2007, the idea behind Asbo KaSINo was that the guys would get back to their rock and roll roots, playing catchy, upbeat, feel good songs.
Eclectic sounds
Assembled in the kaSINo are five talented musicians/writers/producers that are fully accustomed to the highs and the lows of the music business. The sound of the band stems from their eclectic musical tastes. Influenced by everything from hip-hop to rock and classical, it's a strange mix but has something for everyone.
The band have built a loyal following on MySpace and since their formation have played a number of high profile gigs, one of which included supporting Primal Scream star Mani at one of his DJ nights in the North West.
It all appears to be moving in the right direction for Asbo kaSINo and their first release 'The Story Of Asbo kaSINo' is on the way shortly.
BBC Liverpool - Introducing Dec '08.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2008/11/28/bbc_introducing_dec_08_asbo_kasino_feature.shtml
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Red Mojo
70/80 (Demo)
Slow and yearning guitars coupled with the Ian Hunter vocal style of lead man Lenn Leonard in the first song ‘Sitting On The Fence’, slowly gets you buzzing, as the twanging bass line jolts along and helps you grow into the listening experience of this emotive four track tempter. An impressive feat has already been achieved by this Warringtonian quintet who have survived and stuck together through the fads and fashions of music that has seen bands split up more times than a celebrity couple, yet these guys matured together, as this funky, polished and crafted offering testifies.
Red Mojo's emotiveness reaches a high point in the provocative and heart tugging acoustic led ‘When You’re Not Around’, as depth and passion pour out from the vocals of Len with the emotion building to coincide with a strong guitar accompaniment that lifts the track to jive friendly levels. They retain an authentic rawness that seeps through in ‘Kaleidoscope Land’; sounding a bit like Kasabian on come down, but even more thoughtful. This earnest outfit has added a coat of varnish to their already polished sound and look set to make a bold bid to win over a variety music fans.
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Redmojo - demo
These guys are a talented, well-polished band, with good ideas that produce well rounded songs.
‘Who Am I To You?’ opens with a cracking rhythm section which is complemented by a strained-sounding, whiny lead guitar, and a powerful, loud vocal sound - he’s got a voice with range on it.
Just as the song begins to decay towards the end, syncopated open hats kick in, and it’s played out with a nutty funky sound that is an unexpected but welcome twist.
‘Go Home’ introduces a piano sound you might initially associate with Keane, but as soon as the vocals come in you know you’re in for something a bit different, and sure enough, it culminates in a dramatic guitar driven chorus.
Staying with guitars - the licks at the beginning of ‘Dylan’ are reminiscent of something from Californication, which is no bad thing. The laid-back Wurlitzer fuelled style of this song shows another side to Redmojo, although the frustrated melancholy attitude of their music is still evident.
Their mature sound gives you the impression that Redmojo are a hard working band, either that or they’re just dead jammy when it comes to arranging good songs that sound like the complete package.
Although currently unsigned, Redmojo’s first album, due this spring, will be something to look forward to.
Nick Wood
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Having formed in 1997 as a guitar-led electric blues outfit, Redmojo have transformed into a band that now creates an edgy dark-pop sound, although the blues influence hasn't been totally abandoned.
Although sounding like it's about to launch in to a funky tune, 'Sitting on the Fence' actually turns out to be a rocking chorus tagged on to a down-beat verse. The bass pumps out a decent rhythm beneath the main strap line that makes up for the slightly off-kilter use of wah in the verse while the guitars are mixed rather low for a guitar-based band. However, the vocal is the highlight of the track sliding along with good control of range, volume and emotion.
'When UR Not Around' mixes some acoustic guitars with a ranging bass line and quiet keyboards to create a loungey pop-funk song that peaks with a strange electronic solo and samples. The vocal puts in another good performance, but gets a bit lost amongst the other instruments, which are all busy doing lots of stuff at once.
The blues roots of Redmojo are apparent in 'Kaleidoscope Land', which uses a despairing head-shaking verse to set the scene before exploring other, more up-beat, sounds in the rocky chorus and breaks.
'21st Century BC' takes the style of the first track and adds in the blues elements from 'Kaleidoscope Land'. A musical sparseness winds its way towards another rocky chorus and a funky sounding break. This track sees the best of the bass guitar, which runs a solid backbone under the verse to keep things moving along where they could easily fall apart.
Redmojo haven't quite won me over with this ep, although there are plenty of promising moments and an abundance of talent. The trick for the bass guitar will be to dumb down that talent a little, rather than fly off on impressive, but distracting runs. The first track is the best of the bunch and is the only track that really delivers a package that does justice to this band.
Written By: Steve (6980 - ) View The Mag Team
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:: The Mirrors :: Groucho :: Jeepster :: RedMojo ::
Life Cafe (now see Studio / Chicago Rock) / Manchester
By Craig Mather
(This is the bit of the review about us!)
Redmojo are comparative veterans having won numerous battle of the bands competitions and flogged their CDs in local stores. The entire band quote Chilli Pepper members as influences and it's quite easy to hear the element of funk taken from bands like the Chilli's and even Funkadelic. Having recently hooked up with promoter/ Manager Steve Lord, now would be an ideal time after playing the local circuit to go onwards supporting acts at Universities, more people need to know about this lot.
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:: RedMojo ::
30 October 2006 / Warrington Collegiate Institute / Warrington
By Dave Adair
In a Student Bar, on a Monday night the patrons are eagerly watching a below par Middlesborough team desperately trying to eek their way back into the game against a Pearce propelled Man City. Suddenly, the bland commentary is interrupted by the prominent jazz thrusting bass lines of Pete Kenny - Local quintet, Red Mojo have just taken over. Lee Leonard’s vocals skip along the top of the patting percussion and wiry guitars, for a soul/jazz/indie introduction to Crunch Records’ greatest asset. If the opener slowly turned heads away from the soccer, then ‘Kaleidoscope Land’ with its Beck-ish elements demonstrates a tightness and adventure that Middlesborough would sell their red shirts for. This song is bound to form the crux of their forthcoming debut album and makes full use of the homely acoustics.
The epic soundscapes concealed within ‘Suddenly Unexpected Man’, sets a Mogwai styled atmosphere build up to a crushing crescendo, with a nod and a wink towards The Super Furry Animals' ‘The Man Don’t Give A Fuck’. Appreciation of the blues gives ‘Debris’ its kick, causing some sullen looks of contemplation on those gathered. The ranging set culminates in the band’s gritty answer to ‘I Am The Resurrection’ in the form of ‘What Am I To You?’, with the marathon climax featuring every sound the Mojo’s have produced and Lenn’s vocals reach a punk pitch at points. Atmospheric rushes, free-spirited jamming and rhythm gushing interludes, ensure that Red Mojo leave the stage and a lingering impression.
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REDMOJO – ATTENTION EP
Coming over like Richard Ashcroft’s jazzier younger brothers RedMojo hail from Warrington and it kind of shows.
This 4-track EP demonstrates an interesting take on contemporary ‘indie’ trends.
A bit of radiohead here, a dash of Oasis there, and some finely crafted snogs with everyday tales of love and life in the 21st century.
Check them out when they play live in North Wales soon (Thurs - Feb 20th @Hendre Hall). Also, amazing Bass playing. Blimey.
3/5 SNOGS
by Wil Williams
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Redmojo
Demo
2007 finds the excellent Redmojo re-discovering themselves following a recent setback with a minor record label that ran out of 'fuel'. It's no small wonder that Redmojo are already hard gigged and well radio played, because they show with this three track demo that they've got what it takes to be big! Surely success can be only just around the corner!
Redmojo don't really fit into one single genre; they're loosely indie but cram into their fine musical wares influences of blues/rock, jazz and even a smidge of funk. The end result is something fresh sounding and extremely likeable. Whether lifting you up with ballsy melodic rockin' rhythms ('Who Am I To You?'), grabbing your attention with subtle, mid-rock brilliance ('Go Home') or making you sit and marvel at a balladic masterpiece ('Dylan'), Redmojo are as tight as a gnats arse and their songs are superbly crafted in all aspects.
So, as I've already mentioned, 'Go Home', 'Who Am I To You?' and 'Dylan' make up this massively impressive piece of work. Quality through and through, it's not difficult to see why Redmojo have come oh so close to making the bigger league. It seems so unfair that a band of this standard is still scrounging around for recognition; Redmojo have it all and are ready to go - all the way! All these guys need is that one lucky break, to be at the right place at the right time. Redmojo are truly professional in all that they do here; strong songs with loads of variation in terms of light and shade, pretty diverse stuff that's better than a lot of the 'signed' bands around at the mo'. Redmojo sound like they're totally sorted in themselves, they play as a unit and everything's done to an absolute turn. This demo is a forerunner to an album due for release later this year - I for one am really looking forward to hearing that baby! If I'm getting off on just three tracks, I can't begin to imagine what Redmojo will do to my senses with a full-blown album of their superb songs.
Redmojo have instantly impressed me with this short but exquisite demo. Redmojo look like they're ready, once more, to take on the 'big boys'. With what I've experienced here, the mature song writing, the excellent musicianship and the total togetherness, I can't see anything standing in their way - it's now just down to luck really! Stunning stuff!!
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Redmojo @ Life Café Bar, Manchester
I was a tad dubious about going to see Redmojo at the Life Café Bar, Manchester - not because of the band you understand, whose track record of impeccable behaviour includes headlining an 'In The City' gig, performing live acoustic sets for numerous radio stations across the northwest and playing the HMV showcase which led to their CDs being sold in the Manchester store. The issue lay with the fact that I'd heard Life Café was a bit of a classy joint, not the usual haunt of a scruffy urchin such as myself.
Safely in with no questions asked, I was surprised to see what a great venue it was and all my doubts evaporated as the music filled the room. The turn of headlining act, Redmojo was signalled as singer/songwriter Lee Leonard prowled onto the stage. Displaying a certain arrogance and menace with the air of a big cat who'd got, but then shortly lost, the cream. I was unsure as to whether he was going to bite or sing into the microphone. I had the fellow cruelly misjudged however as he unleashed his raw, beautiful and heart wrenching tones on an unsuspecting audience.
The stand out track 'Attention' grabbed exactly what it said on the tin. Beginning with a relaxed chilled out groove before slamming into an anthemic and unstoppably defiant chorus. Slinky snake of a song 'Stars and Space' saw a few of the Chilli Peppers influences come out to play, in a fun, edgy guitar frolic. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the set was the quality and immense talent of the musicians assembled before us. Lead guitarist Mike York especially had somewhat of a 'Tom Jones' effect on the crowd (minus the knickers); each time his fingers grazed the strings, a ripple of excitement, admiration and applause bubbled up. Little brother Andy proved that there was most definitely something special in the blood with his equally impressive frantic and flourishing drumming.
Time and again, Redmojo have been named best up and coming band by the press in the northwest. With their eclectic influences pulling you in all sorts of unexpected yet pleasant directions (some call it dancing), their refreshingly sharp and original lyrics, and a truly captivating front man, I think they may be on to something.
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Redmojo / Blog
BBC Introducing - Asbo kaSINo Write up.
Asbo KaSINo Back to basics rock and roll is the mission of Asbo KaSINo, a new band created by musicians from a number of different North West groups. BBC Introducing finds out if the new mix is worth the gamble. Asbo kaSINo are Lenn, Pete, Mike, Matt and Andy, five friends who wanted to do something different from their existing musical projects. Among the lineup are members of established North West groups Redmojo, Lawsons Love Theme, Lazyfader and The Weekenders. Getting together in February 2007, the idea behind Asbo KaSINo was that the guys would get back to their rock and roll roots, playing catchy, upbeat, feel good songs. Eclectic sounds Assembled in the kaSINo are five talented musicians/writers/producers that are fully accustomed to the highs and the lows of the music business. The sound of the band stems from their eclectic musical tastes. Influenced by everything from hip-hop to rock and classical, it's a strange mix but has something for everyone. The band have built a loyal following on MySpace and since their formation have played a number of high profile gigs, one of which included supporting Primal Scream star Mani at one of his DJ nights in the North West. It all appears to be moving in the right direction for Asbo kaSINo and their first release 'The Story Of Asbo kaSINo' is on the way shortly. BBC Liverpool - Introducing Dec '08. http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2008/11/28/bbc_introducing_dec_08_asbo_kasino_feature.shtml
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70/80 review
Red Mojo 70/80 (Demo) Slow and yearning guitars coupled with the Ian Hunter vocal style of lead man Lenn Leonard in the first song ‘Sitting On The Fence’, slowly gets you buzzing, as the twanging bass line jolts along and helps you grow into the listening experience of this emotive four track tempter. An impressive feat has already been achieved by this Warringtonian quintet who have survived and stuck together through the fads and fashions of music that has seen bands split up more times than a celebrity couple, yet these guys matured together, as this funky, polished and crafted offering testifies. Red Mojo's emotiveness reaches a high point in the provocative and heart tugging acoustic led ‘When You’re Not Around’, as depth and passion pour out from the vocals of Len with the emotion building to coincide with a strong guitar accompaniment that lifts the track to jive friendly levels. They retain an authentic rawness that seeps through in ‘Kaleidoscope Land’; sounding a bit like Kasabian on come down, but even more thoughtful. This earnest outfit has added a coat of varnish to their already polished sound and look set to make a bold bid to win over a variety music fans.
Reply
demo review
Redmojo - demo These guys are a talented, well-polished band, with good ideas that produce well rounded songs. ‘Who Am I To You?’ opens with a cracking rhythm section which is complemented by a strained-sounding, whiny lead guitar, and a powerful, loud vocal sound - he’s got a voice with range on it. Just as the song begins to decay towards the end, syncopated open hats kick in, and it’s played out with a nutty funky sound that is an unexpected but welcome twist. ‘Go Home’ introduces a piano sound you might initially associate with Keane, but as soon as the vocals come in you know you’re in for something a bit different, and sure enough, it culminates in a dramatic guitar driven chorus. Staying with guitars - the licks at the beginning of ‘Dylan’ are reminiscent of something from Californication, which is no bad thing. The laid-back Wurlitzer fuelled style of this song shows another side to Redmojo, although the frustrated melancholy attitude of their music is still evident. Their mature sound gives you the impression that Redmojo are a hard working band, either that or they’re just dead jammy when it comes to arranging good songs that sound like the complete package. Although currently unsigned, Redmojo’s first album, due this spring, will be something to look forward to. Nick Wood
Reply
70/80 (not a very good review)
Having formed in 1997 as a guitar-led electric blues outfit, Redmojo have transformed into a band that now creates an edgy dark-pop sound, although the blues influence hasn't been totally abandoned. Although sounding like it's about to launch in to a funky tune, 'Sitting on the Fence' actually turns out to be a rocking chorus tagged on to a down-beat verse. The bass pumps out a decent rhythm beneath the main strap line that makes up for the slightly off-kilter use of wah in the verse while the guitars are mixed rather low for a guitar-based band. However, the vocal is the highlight of the track sliding along with good control of range, volume and emotion. 'When UR Not Around' mixes some acoustic guitars with a ranging bass line and quiet keyboards to create a loungey pop-funk song that peaks with a strange electronic solo and samples. The vocal puts in another good performance, but gets a bit lost amongst the other instruments, which are all busy doing lots of stuff at once. The blues roots of Redmojo are apparent in 'Kaleidoscope Land', which uses a despairing head-shaking verse to set the scene before exploring other, more up-beat, sounds in the rocky chorus and breaks. '21st Century BC' takes the style of the first track and adds in the blues elements from 'Kaleidoscope Land'. A musical sparseness winds its way towards another rocky chorus and a funky sounding break. This track sees the best of the bass guitar, which runs a solid backbone under the verse to keep things moving along where they could easily fall apart. Redmojo haven't quite won me over with this ep, although there are plenty of promising moments and an abundance of talent. The trick for the bass guitar will be to dumb down that talent a little, rather than fly off on impressive, but distracting runs. The first track is the best of the bunch and is the only track that really delivers a package that does justice to this band. Written By: Steve (6980 - ) View The Mag Team
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Life Cafe
:: The Mirrors :: Groucho :: Jeepster :: RedMojo :: Life Cafe (now see Studio / Chicago Rock) / Manchester By Craig Mather (This is the bit of the review about us!) Redmojo are comparative veterans having won numerous battle of the bands competitions and flogged their CDs in local stores. The entire band quote Chilli Pepper members as influences and it's quite easy to hear the element of funk taken from bands like the Chilli's and even Funkadelic. Having recently hooked up with promoter/ Manager Steve Lord, now would be an ideal time after playing the local circuit to go onwards supporting acts at Universities, more people need to know about this lot.
Reply
Warrington Collegiate Institute review
:: RedMojo :: 30 October 2006 / Warrington Collegiate Institute / Warrington By Dave Adair In a Student Bar, on a Monday night the patrons are eagerly watching a below par Middlesborough team desperately trying to eek their way back into the game against a Pearce propelled Man City. Suddenly, the bland commentary is interrupted by the prominent jazz thrusting bass lines of Pete Kenny - Local quintet, Red Mojo have just taken over. Lee Leonard’s vocals skip along the top of the patting percussion and wiry guitars, for a soul/jazz/indie introduction to Crunch Records’ greatest asset. If the opener slowly turned heads away from the soccer, then ‘Kaleidoscope Land’ with its Beck-ish elements demonstrates a tightness and adventure that Middlesborough would sell their red shirts for. This song is bound to form the crux of their forthcoming debut album and makes full use of the homely acoustics. The epic soundscapes concealed within ‘Suddenly Unexpected Man’, sets a Mogwai styled atmosphere build up to a crushing crescendo, with a nod and a wink towards The Super Furry Animals' ‘The Man Don’t Give A Fuck’. Appreciation of the blues gives ‘Debris’ its kick, causing some sullen looks of contemplation on those gathered. The ranging set culminates in the band’s gritty answer to ‘I Am The Resurrection’ in the form of ‘What Am I To You?’, with the marathon climax featuring every sound the Mojo’s have produced and Lenn’s vocals reach a punk pitch at points. Atmospheric rushes, free-spirited jamming and rhythm gushing interludes, ensure that Red Mojo leave the stage and a lingering impression.
Reply
SNOG Review
REDMOJO – ATTENTION EP Coming over like Richard Ashcroft’s jazzier younger brothers RedMojo hail from Warrington and it kind of shows. This 4-track EP demonstrates an interesting take on contemporary ‘indie’ trends. A bit of radiohead here, a dash of Oasis there, and some finely crafted snogs with everyday tales of love and life in the 21st century. Check them out when they play live in North Wales soon (Thurs - Feb 20th @Hendre Hall). Also, amazing Bass playing. Blimey. 3/5 SNOGS by Wil Williams
Reply
Toxic Pete Review
Redmojo Demo 2007 finds the excellent Redmojo re-discovering themselves following a recent setback with a minor record label that ran out of 'fuel'. It's no small wonder that Redmojo are already hard gigged and well radio played, because they show with this three track demo that they've got what it takes to be big! Surely success can be only just around the corner! Redmojo don't really fit into one single genre; they're loosely indie but cram into their fine musical wares influences of blues/rock, jazz and even a smidge of funk. The end result is something fresh sounding and extremely likeable. Whether lifting you up with ballsy melodic rockin' rhythms ('Who Am I To You?'), grabbing your attention with subtle, mid-rock brilliance ('Go Home') or making you sit and marvel at a balladic masterpiece ('Dylan'), Redmojo are as tight as a gnats arse and their songs are superbly crafted in all aspects. So, as I've already mentioned, 'Go Home', 'Who Am I To You?' and 'Dylan' make up this massively impressive piece of work. Quality through and through, it's not difficult to see why Redmojo have come oh so close to making the bigger league. It seems so unfair that a band of this standard is still scrounging around for recognition; Redmojo have it all and are ready to go - all the way! All these guys need is that one lucky break, to be at the right place at the right time. Redmojo are truly professional in all that they do here; strong songs with loads of variation in terms of light and shade, pretty diverse stuff that's better than a lot of the 'signed' bands around at the mo'. Redmojo sound like they're totally sorted in themselves, they play as a unit and everything's done to an absolute turn. This demo is a forerunner to an album due for release later this year - I for one am really looking forward to hearing that baby! If I'm getting off on just three tracks, I can't begin to imagine what Redmojo will do to my senses with a full-blown album of their superb songs. Redmojo have instantly impressed me with this short but exquisite demo. Redmojo look like they're ready, once more, to take on the 'big boys'. With what I've experienced here, the mature song writing, the excellent musicianship and the total togetherness, I can't see anything standing in their way - it's now just down to luck really! Stunning stuff!!
Reply
review by Lucy Winrow (Gigwise)
Redmojo @ Life Café Bar, Manchester I was a tad dubious about going to see Redmojo at the Life Café Bar, Manchester - not because of the band you understand, whose track record of impeccable behaviour includes headlining an 'In The City' gig, performing live acoustic sets for numerous radio stations across the northwest and playing the HMV showcase which led to their CDs being sold in the Manchester store. The issue lay with the fact that I'd heard Life Café was a bit of a classy joint, not the usual haunt of a scruffy urchin such as myself. Safely in with no questions asked, I was surprised to see what a great venue it was and all my doubts evaporated as the music filled the room. The turn of headlining act, Redmojo was signalled as singer/songwriter Lee Leonard prowled onto the stage. Displaying a certain arrogance and menace with the air of a big cat who'd got, but then shortly lost, the cream. I was unsure as to whether he was going to bite or sing into the microphone. I had the fellow cruelly misjudged however as he unleashed his raw, beautiful and heart wrenching tones on an unsuspecting audience. The stand out track 'Attention' grabbed exactly what it said on the tin. Beginning with a relaxed chilled out groove before slamming into an anthemic and unstoppably defiant chorus. Slinky snake of a song 'Stars and Space' saw a few of the Chilli Peppers influences come out to play, in a fun, edgy guitar frolic. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the set was the quality and immense talent of the musicians assembled before us. Lead guitarist Mike York especially had somewhat of a 'Tom Jones' effect on the crowd (minus the knickers); each time his fingers grazed the strings, a ripple of excitement, admiration and applause bubbled up. Little brother Andy proved that there was most definitely something special in the blood with his equally impressive frantic and flourishing drumming. Time and again, Redmojo have been named best up and coming band by the press in the northwest. With their eclectic influences pulling you in all sorts of unexpected yet pleasant directions (some call it dancing), their refreshingly sharp and original lyrics, and a truly captivating front man, I think they may be on to something.
Reply