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WXPN's Free At Noon: The Heavy

Presented by WXPN at World Cafe Live - Philadelphia

January 15, 2010

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Correctly calling themselves musically schizophrenic, The Heavy are a five-part indie outfit hailing from a small town in the UK. Currently making their multi-genred sounds in Noid, a village near Bath, The Heavy have lately been attracting attention from critics and fans all across the world — particularly in the U.S.

The blend of styles and sounds that has become the trademark for The Heavy began when founding members Dan Taylor (guitar) and Kelvin Swaby (vocalist, with chops sometimes akin to Prince's) first bonded over their mutual appreciation for classic R&B in 1990. Seventeen years later, their first album came out on Counter Records--created with the other three members of the group: Chris Ellul (drummer), Spencer Page (bassist), and Hannah Collins (keyboardist). Great Vengeance and Furious Fire struck listeners as a gutsy blend of crashing guitars and scratchy vocals that could have come straight from a best of '70s rock/punk collection. In no time at all, The Heavy was snatched up by a US label and being featured in rising-band lists in publications like Rolling Stone.

After performing at SXSW 2008 (and collecting a Best Discovery award from Spin magazine in the process), The Heavy began work on their latest full-length release, The House That Dirt Built. Out on shelves in October 2009, the album is yet another melting pot of genres, but this time with a more of distinct flavor of rock and soul.

This event is FREE but registration is required at xpn.org.