EP ‘Mainstream Propaganda’ set for release May 20th
Influenced by New Wave Punk Rock from the late 70s/early 80s BIG ZERO are infiltrating the latest wave of guitar bands such as Slaves, Vant, Puppy and Wolf Alice like time travellers in a Synth Punk Trojan Horse, they blend an off-kilter retro sensibility with a modern sound; their unique production is thanks to their recording technique – recording everything in a home studio, as live, onto an 8-track cassette to give them a raw feel on final release.
“Lead single ‘Tear It Up and Start Again’ was released on Record Store Day, with the band playing at Banquet Records’ OFFICIAL RSD PARTY.”
You can hear the results on the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVdg4PI-IyU
Released through Do Yourself In Records on a split 7” vinyl, alongside weirdo-pop legends Bis, the single will also be available to download and finds the band on typical strange territory. They’ve also been asked to play Are You Listening! Festival in Reading by ArtRocker, playing alongside Steve Lamacq.
Already building a devoted cult following, BIG ZERO have so far enjoyed radio play from BBC Introducing as well as playing sold out shows at their favourite Reading underground venue.
In keeping with their symbiotic relationship with lo-tech equipment for recording, the band’s music is inspired by something of a distrust for how humans are utilizing technology in the modern age. The forthcoming digital EP ‘Mainstream Propaganda’ is all about corporate brainwashing and marketing, a modern world which BIG ZERO observes through protective goggles.
Even their videos set them apart. Referred to by the band as ‘no budget movies’, they are shot on old school VHS cameras and crammed with classic movie references from the past. While many bands treat their video clips as a tool with which to sell a song, BIG ZERO view them as a product in their own right – a separate release which happens to be soundtracked by their music.
They are currently in the process of releasing a ‘post-apocalyptic sci-fi future western’ television mini-series, mashing together influences from The Beatles movies, The Monkees and Pee Wee’s Playhouse. You can check out the series so far here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkxZweNKgPcq0dktJ2V8CfBXpqpJk02Dw
Live dates:
April 23rd – Are You Listening! Festival, Reading
May 21st – Rising Sun Arts Centre in Reading,
May 27th – The Deaf Institute (playing with Bis), Manchester
June 10th – Sub89 (playing with Bis), Reading
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