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Rootwork announce EP release & free download ‘Trust’!



"Just irresistible..." - Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music


"...dynamic, aurally compelling rock music..."
- Punktastic


For fans of... Torche, Mastodon, Baroness, Kyuss

Having beguiled us on their sprawling 2015 EP Gallows Humour, Rootwork make a welcome return as they announce the release of their forthcoming EP Some Of Us May Never Bloom, out on 18th November 2016 via Ubiquity Project Records.

Rootwork immediately set their stall out, on what is ferocious five track record, with the release of free download ‘Trust’, which opens the EP with a bang; hefty guitar riffs are intensified by pointed vocals, flawless harmonies and a booming, incessant drum beat, concluded skillfully by a hulking outro. The track premiered exclusively on Punktastic and is now available to download for free on the ABoF Soundcloud page or by clicking the embed below:



Creating a sound that is as brutal as it is harmonic, Rootwork have embraced many of the elements of modern metal music perfectly taking the listener on a journey through metal, stoner rock, prog, post-hardcore and doom-pop over five faultlessly comprised songs. This is evident on the aforementioned 'Trust', while songs such as ‘Ozymandias’ is akin to being lost in a sonic maze, as riffs twist and turn throughout, and Rootwork pulverise their way through just over six minutes worth of mesmerising melodies, before closing with a gorgeous dream-like outro. Intelligent, challenging, explosive yet intricate, and technically gifted, Rootwork are a band whose resonance should be felt throughout the alternative rock community much like contemporaries such as Baroness and Torche.

Comprised of Max Woodhams (guitar, vocals), Jamie Benzine (bass, backing vocals) and Chris Booth (drums, vocals), the band formed in Farnborough towards the end of 2013 having come together through their mutual love of heavy, melodic and complex rock music. In December 2015 they released their first full length EP picking up support from the likes of Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing. With the wind in their sails the band quickly followed the EP release up with single Code Talker with the video premiering on Team Rock. Now, with a new EP set for release towards the end of 2016 and a number of tour dates in the works, Rootwork are aiming to end the year on a high.

Some Of Us May Never Bloom by Rootwork is set for release on 18th November 2016 via Ubiquity Project Records.

If you'd like more information about Rootwork or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Tue, 27 Sep 2016 in Rootwork

Maria Kelly releases new cinematic video for ‘Stitches’!



"...stunning..." - The 405


"...a glorious concoction full of ear-pleasing tones and immense emotion...."
- The Line Of Best Fit


"...silky smooth vocals that spin widely relatable tales." - Consequence of Sound


For fans of... Lucy Rose, Lisa Hannigan, Kina Grannis

Irish singer-songwriter Maria Kelly has released the emotionally fragile video for her new single Stitches, out on 7th October 2016 via Veta Records.

The video premiered on The 405 and is also available to watch via Maria's Youtube channel now.


The single originally premiered on The Line Of Best Fit and you can also stream Stitches via Maria's Soundcloud page.


Stitches displays Maria’s fragile vocal ability, as well as her capacity for bittersweet storytelling, as she effortlessly creates a sound the likes of Lucy Rose and Lisa Hannigan would be proud of. The single is an honest, plaintive track exploring themes of self-preservation and coming to terms with the inability to open up to your partner as a result of self- doubt and past experiences. Maria has always managed to absorb her listeners into her music due to her beautiful lyricism, evident once again on Stitches, which she has delightfully paired with an affective string arrangement throughout the track.

Growing up in Mayo, Ireland, Maria spent many years crafting and developing her sound into a stunning combination of delicate indie-folk. She has been writing music since the age of 10 and has already played numerous shows in both the UK and Ireland supporting the likes of Orla Gartland and Wyvern Lingo.

Maria has received praise from various online publications including Consequence of Sound, The Irish Times, Nialler9 and Radio X to name a few, and is currently working on new tracks for her next EP as well as developing her live sound in preparation for a hectic 2017.

Stitches by Maria Kelly is due for release on 7th October 2016 via Veta Records.

If you'd like more information about Maria Kelly or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Posted Tue, 27 Sep 2016 in Maria Kelly

Introducing… K V A S I R!




For fans of... College, S U R V I V E, Cliff Martinez, Le Youth


“...a heady, warped piece of euphoric techno-pop…” - The Line of Best Fit



Electronic solo artist K V A S I R is delighted to bring his immersive dance music to a wider audience with the release of his debut self-titled EP, K V A S I R, set for release on 4th November 2016 via KV10 Records.

The bemasked producer has released free download track First Throws which premiered on The Line of Best Fit and is now available via the K V A S I R Soundcloud page.



Consisting of four unique tracks, the EP flows with vibrant, glitchy beats; pulsing arpeggiators; discreet and dream like vocals and a sweeping sense of joy. This is modern take on dance music offering relief from the invasion of big room EDM.
K V A S I R is hugely inspired by the way in which music combines with visuals and, in particular, film; recently having been impressed by the 80’s inspired sound reinvigorated by the likes of S U R V I V E (Stranger Things, The Guest) and Cliff Martinez (Drive).

Big screen influences are particularly evident on tracks such as ‘Exchange’, which K V A S I R was inspired to write after watching Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. This in turn fed into the concept behind ‘First Throws’, which reflects on how wealth and greed, brought about by a capitalist society, affect the quiet, introspective moments before we fall asleep. While ‘Lyon’ sees K V A S I R reflect on mistakes made in the past, determined never to make them again; a sentiment we can all identify with.

With his innovative style combining elements of 80’s and 90’s dance music, allied to an intense live show married with visual art, K V A S I R looks set to bring dancefloors across the world to life with his soaring new creations. 

Self-titled EP K V A S I R is set for release on 4th November 2016 via KV10 Records.

If you'd like more information about K V A S I R or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Fri, 23 Sep 2016 in KVASIR

Jack Ellis’ latest single ‘Disdained’ out now!





For Fans Of... Ben Howard, Jeff Buckley, Nick Mulvey, Dry the River


"...provocative, emotive, and insightful..."
- The Revue



“…a dark, brooding song that’s boosted by Ellis’ vocal range...”
- Cultured Vultures



Multi-instrumentalist Jack Ellis' latest single Disdained is out now via District South Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

In addition to the release, the video for Disdained recently premiered on The Revue and is also available to watch via Jack's YouTube channel now.



The single originally premiered on Cultured Vultures and you can also stream it now via Jack's Soundcloud page.



Disdained continues the story from Jack’s previous release, The Storm, exploring themes of love, loss and failure to address the imbalances of a broken relationship. Jack describes Disdained as the “ultimate destruction of love; where the loss of once being loved leaves a dark, empty, troubled soul”. Disdained builds slowly with Jack’s warm, rugged vocal carrying the song effortlessly. As the momentum builds, so does Jack’s sense of desperation, creating a sound the likes of Jeff Buckley and Ben Howard would be proud of. Despite an undeniable connection between the singles, The Storm and Disdained, both tracks offer something different, thus allowing them to firmly stand alone in their own right, and further increasing Jack’s already impressive musical résumé.

After playing in bands for several years, Jack took the decision to go solo in 2014 in order to focus on his songwriting and develop his own distinctive sound. The opportunity to play bass, guitar, piano and sing has allowed Jack to really stretch his creative muscles and, with the success of previous singles Pocket of Lint and Stepping Stones, it is clear that Jack’s music is making an impact on the wider music world.

Jack was voted Best Breakthrough Act 2015 and was nominated for Best Live Act at The Cardiff Music Awards. He has also received radio plays from BBC Wales as well as receiving significant support from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2, including being invited to perform live in the studio. Jack has also gained praise from well-regarded publications including Cultured Vultures, With Guitars, Gigslutz and Little Indie Blogs to name a few. This has culminated in Jack becoming one of the rising stars of Welsh music, an artist who looks set to continue his growth through the release of his latest single.

Disdained is out now via District South Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

If you'd like more information on Jack Ellis or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Fri, 23 Sep 2016 in Jack Ellis

Animal House release new video for ‘Heavy’!


For fans of... The Strokes, Cage The Elephant, Dune Rats, Surfer Blood

"... Snappy, punchy songwriting..." - Clash


"... snarling, hedonistic Garage rock..." - Gigwise


Australian indie-rockers Animal House have shared a raucous new video for Heavy, taken from their energy-fuelled upcoming EP Sorry, out on 18th November 2016.

The video premiered on Clash and you can also watch it now via the band's YouTube channel.


You can also stream Heavy now via the band's Soundcloud page.


Having already received critical acclaim for their last single English Girls, Animal House’s new EP is filled with witty lyrical storytelling, racing riffs and infectious choruses. With its undeniably catchy, high-energy garage-infused sound, reminiscent of the likes of The Strokes and The Raconteurs, Sorry oozes a welcome tongue-in-cheek attitude.

Animal House explains that Sorry is an apology to our parents, friends, past employers who put their faith in us to lead a sweet and comfortable life in Aus and instead we've blown all that on a shot at making music. Remembering the hedonistic adventures they've had whilst making music, the band admit they're actually not sorry, and revel in the fun they've been having in the UK on each vibrant and uptempo track.

Finally settled in the UK, Animal House have already supported the likes of Courtney Barnett, Surfer Blood and Drenge to name a few. They have also received praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac, BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq and Sean Keaveny, NME, DIY and Clash. They now hope to continue charming listeners with their stupid garage pop songs on Sorry.

Catch Animal House live at the following dates:

23rd September - Ryans N16 - London
28th September - Prince Albert - Brighton
28th October - Bleach - Brighton
2nd November - Rubi - Barcelona
3rd November - Paberse Matao - Valencia
4th November - Sala Rockstar - Benidorm
5th November - TNT Blues Bar - Cox
6th November - Fun House - Madrid
12th November - Bukowski - San Sebastian
14th November - Pop In - Paris
29th November - Birthdays - London

Sorry is out on 18th November 2016.

If you'd like more information about Animal House or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Thu, 22 Sep 2016 in Animal House