THE UNIVERSAL: As sharp musically as they are in attire, Liverpool quartet The Universal apply timeless values of upbeat melodic British rock songwriting to a sharp-dressed 2011 mode
THE UNIVERSAL are a four piece band from the North West of England. Born out of working class frustrations, THE UNIVERSAL are equal parts.... fire, skill, swagger, attitude and energy!! Rooted through their infl uences in mid-sixties Mod, THE UNIVERSAL cite their inspirations from many of the greats....including.... The Small Faces, The Who, The Beatles and The Kinks.... amongst many others. THE UNIVERSAL tip their collective hat to the pioneers of that golden time but rather than emulating what has gone before.... they bring things right up to "NOW!" with their very own unmistakeable and definitive style. Rapidly gaining a great reputation for their passionate and energetic live shows, THE UNIVERSAL need to be seen.... and heard.... to understand what sets them apart!!! Fresh out of the studio recording their debut Album....THE UNIVERSAL are set to fly!!!.
Give us an update about the line up of the band...
There are two new members in The Universal. A new sticksman, Dave Ormsby and a new bassman, Gary Chambers.
Best Gig (s) in 2009
We had the pleasure of supporting The Small Fakers a couple of times in 2009 at The Cavern in Liverpool, they were both top gigs. Another was at a little venue in Northampton for The Boiler Club and me and my guitarist, Piet 'The Boy' Koehorst played many acoustic sessions in 2009 but one in Coventry in March at a gig called Ditch The TV, springs to mind as being a really good one...
How do you see the current scene (venues, bands, etc..)?
For me, 2009 was a watershed year. I think that the re-emergence of Mod revival bands such as Purple Hearts, Secret Affair and Long Tall Shorty has helped the scene gain momentum. I think that things are going to spill over into the mainstream again over the next two years and our underground scene is once again going to be the fashion and the playlist to the masses. I already see the fashions coming back to the high street, although to us they never went away. I think that the current political and music climate is crying out for real bands, playing real music on real instruments and once again singing about real things. This is our time and we have to make sure that we make our mark whilst upholding the values and attitude of what's gone before us.
Which pubs/venues would you recommend in your area/city?
I'd recommend The Roadhouse and the Ruby Lounge in Manchester, and also I think that Manchester Apollo is one of the best venues in the UK.
Plans for 2010:
2010 is a big year for The Universal with the release of our debut single and album. A lot of tours, supports and press, TV and Radio promotion is already planned with an appearance at South By Southwest in Texas already one of the many highlights to come... JOIN THE REVOLUTION!...
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