Crazy88

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Formed in 2003 from the still smouldering ashes of three talented bands, each very different in style, the foundations were soon laid for Essex four-piece, CRAZY 88, to come together and do what came naturally. The wheels of destiny were set in motion after bassist Ian paid a visit to the guitar shop that John runs (www.peachguitars.com) and suggested a jam session with a drummer he knew (Baz). John called up his old buddy, Chris, for some vocals and a legendary band was formed from the ensuing jam session.

With a charismatic front man whose vocal range evokes the meaty, raw growl of Dave Grohl while touching upon the silky, soulful tones reminiscent of a more restrained Eddie Vedder; a funkier-than-James Brown bass player laying down rolling rhythms and syncopated slap frenzies; a rock solid drummer, keeping the groove driving and focused; and a true genius in riffing wizardry on the six-string, CRAZY 88 exhibit all the hallmarks of an outfit oozing professionalism and then some.

Since the pioneering jam sessions, the band has moved from strength to strength, exhibiting original material that combines driving rhythm, catchy melodies and behemoth guitar solos. The first jams were so creatively successful that they spawned two of CRAZY 88’s finest tunes: the infectious hook-laden riffage of "The Silence" and soulful crowd favourite "Don't Tell Me No".

The band has left its mark upon live venues across Essex, as well as delving into the capital city from time to time. Each live show exudes an effortless precision, which never fails to satisfy a loyal fan base. The vibrant dynamic atmosphere of their live performance is captured in their debut 6-track EP, ‘Life Without You’, recorded at Stag Studios in Witham.

Christmas Eve 2005 saw CRAZY 88 romp to first prize in The Twist Battle of the Bands final in Colchester. After donning some comical Santa hats and fending off quality competition from over 50 of the finest bands Essex has to offer, CRAZY 88 came out as deserving winners. It was a victory testimony to their truly awe-inspiring live performance and song writing ability. The blistering set was captured in its entirety for a live DVD - to see it is to believe it!

In April 2006, they cut their first video for "The Silence" using pioneering film technology including rotating twin cameras mounted on a huge crane that was used on the set of Troy nonetheless. The final result is off the hook, check it out for yourself on this page!

On September 2nd 2006, the band graced the stage at the debut Braintree Rock! Festival alongside legendary acts The Stranglers, The Blockheads and Dr. Feelgood. The event, which took place at the 10,000-capacity Notley Bowl in Braintree, Essex, was the perfect opportunity for the band to relish in some grand scale exposure and get their sound out to a large audience of genuine rock fans.

2007 sees the band in the studio, practising hard and experimenting with new material. As always, the priority remains to push the CRAZY 88 name forward, produce high-quality tunes and continue to give vibrant live performances, which get better with every gig. It’s the least their public deserves!



What people have said:



"Crazy 88, a four piece from Braintree, closed proceedings in grand style. You can’t help but like this lot. The singer’s enthusiasm is infectious and the guitarist (the Priest?) can really play. After the first song I wrote down three things. Big sound, great vocals and good old fashioned Rock! They played 9 songs the best for my money being “Sanctuary” and “The Way it Was”. I also liked the singer’s manic laugh in “Would You listen?”. I think Crazy 88 would go down well at festivals and I suspect given a little more room they would be able to express themselves even more than they were able to at New Lodge. Go see them." - Ian Blockhead - Guest Reviewer (Wednesday 28th September 2005 Injury Time 4 @ New Lodge)

"Electrifying" - Evening Gazette, following Battle of the Bands victory.

"Crazy 88's performance was definitely the most polished of the night, they had the most dynamic stage presence and the most honed sound. When they took to the stage it was clear that they've bult up something of a following. Much of the crowd recognised the intros to the band's own songs such as 'Would You Listen?' and 'The Incredible', and everyone joined in with their popular cover of Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name'. All in all, a great gig, hopefully it won't be too long before we hear from them again." - Rachel Writer, HERTS AND ESSEX MUSIC-ZINE (www.music-zine.com)

"A six-track EP of Nickelback-style no-nonsense rock from a Braintree quartet who have built up quite a following on their MySpace site.

Vocalist Chris Gibbs possesses a fine growl which conveys the fury and pain in songs such as ‘The Silence’.

The ominous first verse of opening track ‘Don’t Tell Me No’ builds up to an angry chorus, with sharp guitar cutting through like a knife.

The more reflective ‘Would You Listen?’ has an intro that is reminiscent of ‘Naïve’ by The Kooks, although the similarities to that band end there!

On this evidence, the band won’t be unsigned for much longer." - HERTS AND ESSEX MUSIC-ZINE (www.music-zine.com)

"One suspects it's not often that big American arena rock comes out of Essex, so Crazy 88 must be a revelation there. Frontman Chris Gibbs certainly has an 80s 'hair rock' voice, and the riffs behind him wouldn't be out of place on a compilation alongside the likes of Pearl Jam. Put them in a big American studio and who knows where they'll end up." - 7/10, ROCK SOUND August 2007.



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