Sometime in the early 21st century, deep in the leafy suburbs of downtown Southampton, a mild mannered part-time shop assistant and unassuming sandwich delivery-boy were hatching a plan to rescue quality soulful music from almost certain oblivion.
Ross Wakefield and Toby Vane (as theyre known to the taxman) harnessed their shared influences, ranging from Public Enemy and Joe Cocker to Elbow and Nick Drake, and began to create their own unique supersonic sound. They invited selected friends and musicians to bring more of a live element to their recordings, including Oi Va Voi chanteuse Bridgette Amofah, and vocalist for Justin and Luke Unabombers Elektrons project, Pete Simpson, who both appear on this release.
2006 saw the duo unleash their debut recording, the Realise EP, earning them global critical acclaim, and radio rotation from Mr Scruff, Ras Kwame, and Gilles Peterson – and by the end of the year the Heroes had landed themselves two nominations at the BBC Worldwide Awards. Things were starting to hot up!
The new Ready For Change EP paves the way for the Heroes debut album, Meanwhile. This three track taster kicks off with Pete Simpsons life affirming vocals on what is sure to be a summer smasher, before the dance floor pressure continues with instrumental exclusive Pressating and we round things off with Bridgetts sultry tones on the gorgeous Sun Will Shine.
The Heroes will be touring with their full live band throughout the latter half of 2008 and into 09, following up road blocked gigs at The Jazz Cafe & Pigalle Club with a number of festivals over the summer and a huge album launch at Cargo on September 12th. Shop assistant and delivery boy RIP, these boys are on a mission, and wont stop until their work is done.
Ready For Change EP released on vinyl/download 23rd June
Meanwhile… LP released on CD/download 1st September
QUOTES:
I Highly rate them, watch out for them Gilles Peterson
A summery blast of addictive dance floor fun. IDJ Magazine