| Having toured their unique brand of rock music with the likes of Deep Purple, Joe Bonamassa,John Butler Trio and Status Quo, Wille and the Bandits are set to release their third studio album‘Grow’ on October 14th 2013.
WATB are renowned for creating an astonishingly huge sound, incorporating eclectic grooves from world music to heavy rock. Using unusual combinations of instrumentation such as tongue drum, djembe, lap steel guitar and double bass, they push the boundaries of what is expected of a modern three piece. Although difficult to pigeonhole, Wille and the Bandits are taking rock music to new places, with a unique take on songwriting that is fresh, but at the same time laced with nostalgia. Their success has been built on successfully engaging three generations of fans, each captivated by the exquisite musicianship and soulful song writing which flows effortlessly throughout their performances. Even the most experienced music lovers will have their head turned by the spellbinding concoction of Wille Edwards mastery of the slide guitar, Matthew Brooks wizardry on the 6-string bass and Andrew Naumanns ability to conjure an irresistible groove from his vast array of percussion. Based in Cornwall, but playing over 250 shows a year worldwide, their songs are a social commentary on what their road worn eyes have seen, never shying away from even the most poignant subjects. The band has developed a loyal underground fan base right across Europe, mainly from their explosive live shows. Their success in building a core fan base is a result of their versatility; whether busking or in a sold out arena, the band have the songs and musicianship to command an audience and connect with people who will return for more. After playing many major festivals including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and the Olympic games, the band were chosen by The Kaiser Chiefs as one of the top unsigned acts in the UK, declaring them, destined for big things. With the release of Grow, the anticipation is that the UKs best kept secret is about to be let out. WILLE & THE BANDITS
Grow’ – Track listing |
1. Got To Do Better – 2.57
2. Gyspy Woman – 3.40
3. Try To Be Yourself – 5.22
4. Under The Grove – 6.12
5. Butterfly For A Day – 3.46
6. Still Go Marching In – 5.07
7. Whyd You Do It – 4.24
8. Son Of The Gun – 3.03
9. Keep Moving On – 3.04
10. Forgiveness – 4.44
11. Angel – 12.47
Watch a video type thing here;
A few words from Wille:
Grow was recorded in our home county of Cornwall, and after the hustle and bustle of touring in cities it was nice to be back in a rural setting to record. I think the album benefited from the space and energy the natural world can evoke, we certainly felt a lot of freedom in the studio to go for a sound that was live and bursting at the seams with our sound and textures. Most of the tracks were recorded live.
The albums lyrical content is very much about internal growth and self-reflection, hence album title Grow. There are also songs about global issues such as war and gun crime, I think these are important topics that are not addressed through song as much as they once were.
I think the last track Angel really sums up the session and our band; a twelve-minute instrumental done in one take after a long walk through the Cornish countryside, via a local pub. This song throws away the modern concept of popular music and carries the audience on a journey, drawing them in with a fast paced jig which leads to a euphoric middle eight and then into a screaming guitar solo which bends and weeps with emotion. The piece has evolved over the years with the band; it is performed at most gigs and is the song that that creates lifelong fans in an instant. It has had the power to bring people to tears without even a word sung. If music is about connecting with people and relating to experience then it doesnt get much more heartfelt and real than Angel.
Angel was written following the death of my mother, who was a great influence on my song writing and values, and continues to inspire me to this day.






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