Local funk-rock band Kazo, who have played for Noel Gallagher, release their EP ‘Cocktails & Canapés’ produced by Dan Broad of the Happy Mondays.
The funk-rock four-piece from Stockport , Manchester have already turned heads in the music industry, having performed for Noel Gallagher, and since Christmas worked with Dan Broad to perfect their sound.
Kazo are made up of bassist Mike Silcock, 18, drummer Sam Keene, 17, singer Jack Henigan, 17, all from Hazel Grove, and lead guitarist Jake Blythe, 17, from Edgeley. The lads met in their early teens at St James Catholic High School in Cheadle and first appeared on the music scene as The Ordinary in 2012. Since then they have played a host of high-profile concerts including a performance at Noel Gallagher’s after show party and crowd-winning acts at festivals up and down the country.
The band are influenced by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Rage Against the Machine and Foo Fighters. Their music is written and inspired by everyday situations.
Watch Kazo’s official music video for Easy Living: http://youtu.be/HceY1FSiGII
So what’s inside ‘Cocktails & Canapes’?…..
‘Cocktails & Canapés’ features five of Kazo’s tracks, all original and written by band members about situations that have influenced their own lives. ‘Easy Living’ marks their platinum track. Sam Keene’s drumming influences the atmosphere throughout….well known for fuelling audiences with his off-the-wall drumming, ‘Easy Living’ showcases Sam’s passion. Brought to life off stage by the music video, just finished by Independent Studios (link to video here), ‘Easy Living’ is known as Kazo’s signature track.
‘Nothing’s Gonna Save You’ is a piece of real swagger in which Jack Henigan demonstrates the vocal confidence of a singer who can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand. His guitar work along with that of Jake Blythe has a dirty quality to it which adds an edge to the great production, while the rhythm is reminiscent mid 70’s Deep Purple.
With Mike Silcock’s bass making its presence known, ‘Shoot From The Hip’ provides a edgier, sexy sound – the lyrics really speaking for themselves! Intriguingly Kazo’s tracks showcase the band’s talent almost individually at times, whilst clearly being a joint performance.
‘The Runner’ takes Jack’s voice to new heights….a song written from the heart about loss. Simply listening provokes an addiction to Kazo’s inimitable sound. As usual the band combine their style and sound and unique approach to their tracks…resulting in a musical escape.
Following Sam’s evocative intro on drums, followed hot on the heels by Jake’s guitar, Jack’s voice starts to guide you through the intense emotions evoked by ‘Safe’. Inspired by a tragic event that affected all four lads…Kazo take the audience to moments of extreme emotion as Jake’s bass guitar takes on a life of its own.
‘Get Your Rock Out’ raved about Kazo after witnessing their stage take-over at Headlander 2014. “Kazo….the band to follow….satiating the rocker’s appetite for something enjoyably gritty. As a live act these guys are wonderful to watch….”
Kazo’s EP can be downloaded by clicking : https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cocktails-and-canapes-ep/id924232629