Introducing alternative rock quartet Oxbloods who will release their debut EP Collisions on the 20th April 2018. For fans of Young Guns, Don Broco and Paramore, Oxblood have gone in head first with writing this debut EP. Debut single release Clinton streamed exclusively with Already Heard yesterday and can now be heard here below. This Spring sees Oxbloods releasing their debut EP, a powerful performance with soaring vocals, offering the listener the opportunity to be part of something. The band give you the freedom to relate and have a sense of belonging to the music by bringing a modern and vibrant blend of electric alternative rock with addictive pop elements.
Oxbloods are:
Charlie Cothliff – Vocals
Matt Lunn – Guitar
Chris Horrocks – Guitar
Matt Ashton – Bass
Alex Binnington – Drums
Check out Collisions below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their upcoming EP and more!
So how pumped are you for the release of your upcoming EP Collisions?
AB: I think it’s fair to say that we’re all pretty excited. This record is the product of considerable time and genuine hard work from the five of us, and to be finally able to present the finished product is somewhat dignifying.
Can you tell us something about the EP no one else knows?
AB: We fell into a pattern of having single-word song titles across the EP. When “The ballad of William Jefferson Blythe III” was deemed unacceptable, we settled for ‘Clinton’ instead. That part may or may not be factually correct.
ML: It was the one demo title that we couldn’t bare to change.
What is your favourite track from the EP?
AB: For me, it’s Vagabond. I just think it’s an incredibly slick and streamlined track from the writing approach all the way down to the delivery. There’s something innately satisfying about a big ol’ four to the floor beat I think. It’s my favourite labour of love.
ML: Stockholm for me, It was a really long process writing the song but as soon as we wrote the beginning of it, I was determined that the rest of the song had to match my expectations.
How has the response of Clinton gone down with fans so far?
AB: To say the band has been in the public domain for just over a month, I think the reaction has been greater than we anticipated – quite gratifying really. We’ve got quite a lot in the pipeline that’s going to be seeing the light of day fairly soon; we’re confident we’ll sustain the level of interest that’s been showed so far.
if you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
CH: I’m a massive closet Metallica fan, so I’d love that to happen.
Will you be touring at all to coincide the release of your new EP?
AB: A good live performance is certainly something myself and the lads prioritise. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to our live set (writing this from our studio) and hope to to be making our live debut at some point soon.
What do you get up to in your spare time when not making music?
ML: Drink coffee and also speak to my dog but then get ignored by him.
CH: Speak to my cat and definitely get ignored.
What was the first gig you attended when you was a kid?
ML: My first gig was Seasick Steve at the Manchester Apollo, my Dad is a huge blues fan so I tagged along. Amazing what atmosphere you can get from a bearded guy with a three string guitar.
AB: For me it was The Killers at the arena in Sheffield back in 2006, I think? I’d seen a few smaller ones prior to this but this was the first ‘show’ I’d seen, so to speak. Hell of a performance. Part of the lighting rig fell down mid-song, and it took me a while to comprehend that I’d nearly watched one of my idols get squashed. Mr Flowers didn’t seem particularly phased about it all mind – what a fella.
What do you think bands can do to keep local small venues alive?
AB: Personally I think the responsibility lies more so on the industry itself rather than the artistry within it – they’re struggling just as much. A lot of venues local to me are more than just four walls – they’re epicenters of culture and community, and unfortunately, these days they’re manifested more as small independent businesses instead. In an ideal world, those at the top of the food chain in promotion would reinvest some of their profits into these venues to keep their doors open. They’re the most basic level of the industry as a whole – surely they can reap some of the benefits they ultimately provide for the rest of the hierarchy? I’m rambling aren’t I? I’ll get off my soapbox now I promise.