Win Tickets to see Kingsize Five Live!

Closing: 28/05/2008

There are only so many guitar quartets and Arcade Fire imitators you can take, and sometimes it’s refreshing to have something a bit different thrown at you. Fortunately, this is where The Kingsize Five step in, a collective of 10-15 musicians. Support from radio tastemakers like John Kennedy, Steve Lamacq and Shaun Keaveny have placed their dark dissuaded vortex of swing, jazz, ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll, punk and blues, firmly on the map. The outfit release their debut double A-side single ‘I am a Missile’ / ‘Capricorn’ feat. Johnny from Dogs from Little Genius Recordings via Genepool / Universal on 5th May.

They are not insular musicians who have leapt straight into musical dreams. Two of them have been Smash Hits stickers, one has been an ice cream man, one has been Mr Energiser in an inflatable costume and got fired for telling brats to f*ck off, one has been a receptionist at a massage parlour and also got fired for telling brats to f*ck off, they have played in everything from The Fratelli’s, Bad Manners, Fela Kuti, King Kurt, Cinematic Orchestra, Apollo 440, Boy George and Blur; in short, this is a catalogue of failures, and the collective delight in it.

With a line-up as vast as their egos, ‘I am a Missile’ is a great introduction to their vibe, featuring trombones, pianos, trumpets in a glut of melodies. Loud and brassy, ‘Capricorn’ is a whispering track of bravado featuring vocalist Johnny from Welsh rockers Dogs. Produced by Junk Scientist (The Rakes, Larrikin Love), as is their upcoming album, both tracks are the emancipation you need.

Self-proclaimed as clowns, bullsh*tters and poets, the posse have created their own story. It just happens to be one you can dance to.

The Kingsize Five are Michael Brown, Danny Howard, Coach Crowe, Coach Kelly, Ms Sheli Andrews, Lady J, Zoe Alexandria, The O’Neils, Jamie Wortley and any other individuals with talent and tenacity who come their way.

Nothing should stop you catching the sleaziest shakers in London town.