The Destroyers
An eclectic and explosive 15-piece gypsy, Balkan, klesmer, folk and even beat poetry orchestra, who have just released their debut album, Out of Babel, which featured on this month’s Songlines’ cover CD.
Q Magazine dubbed them as ‘insane, chaotic … led by a short grandad in a fez who talks like a pirate’, and a glowing Songlines album review wrote of ‘a blow-your-mind original … yes, they have the requisite riproaring horns, a crisp rhythm section and a charismatic leader, but they also have songs with intelligent lyrics and a maturity that far surpasses the usual alcohol-meets-exotica approach … Minimum pretence and maximum style: Out Of Babel is a sophisticated, theatrical tour de force.’
“…the sort of rogues who would take you out for a night, fill you full of mead, strip you to your underwear and then tie you to a lamp-post-but I do like the sound of this…” – STEVE LAMACQ
Forged many years ago through legendary Balkan Basement jam sessions, The Destroyers have risen up out of epic busking marathons and kinetically charged sardine-packed gigs in their beloved home of Birmingham to bring a startling new sound to venues and festivals nationwide.
“The Destroyers have a hell of a billing from the compere but more than live up to it…” – Q MAGAZINE – Glastonbury 2009 Review Special
Close-up and dangerous, their blazing passion for performance and combined musical influences creates a swirling spectacle of sensation and sound. From the upbeat rush of ‘Sirba’, the rich Illyrian-melancholy of ‘Copanitsas’, the gothic tale-telling of ‘The Glass Coffin’, and the timely groove of ‘Where has the Money Gone’, a passionate and riotous stage-show bursts forth lifting one and all into a frenzy of uninhibited dancing and bonhomie.
“The Destroyers’ sound is so wildly compulsive … you owe it to the primal, uninhibited part of yourself to experience the frenetic glory of their live show.” – STEREOKILL.NET
And so from the forest of Eden to the Jurassic coast of Dorset, this explosive 15 strong band have made it their mission to play, sing and dance their socks off as one, with audiences from Glastonbury to Glasgow- and everywhere in-between. Now with debut album Out of Babel (***** ‘top of the world’ CD : Songlines magazine) available online and nationwide…
“…a seductively dangerous and unique listen.” – CLASH MAGAZINE
“Minimum pretence and maximum style: OUT OF BABEL is a sophisticated theatrical tour de force” – SONGLINES
“A 15-piece outfit of exceptional technical quality which plays a rich blend of Balkan folk music, jazz, Celtic and other influences.” – BIRMINGHAM POST
“The Destroyers are utterly contemporary and cutting edge and almost frightening in their creativity…” – NIGHT TIMES
Tracks from the debut album, Out of Babel …
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Previous venues / performances include:
Glastonbury Festival 2008, 2009 (inc Avalon Stage)
Town Hall, Birmingham
Wilton’s Music Hall, London
Shambala Festival 2008, 2009
Wychwood Festival
Open House Festival, Belfast
Size: 15 performers
Available Dates: Touring throughout 2010
E: telegram@stoneylane.net T: +44(0)121 288 8575
Full stage and technical plan, artist rider, high-res photographs on request