GUITAR, BASS AND DRUMS EP #1 GUITAR, BASS AND DRUMS EP #1 GUITAR, BASS AND DRUMS 

I hold in my hands a CD-R with Toby's handwriting on it.  The scruffy text simply says "EP1" but I know what it means and what is contained on the flimsy plastic I'm grasping.  And I can't wait to play it!  

Fast forward 20 minutes and I'm very pleased to report that Guitar, Bass and Drums EP#1 (to give it it's full title) is absolutely fantastic!  After waiting forever I've finally heard all five tracks and, as promised, they sound amazing!  From the opening riff of 'Motivated' it is very apparent that Toby has delivered balls out, no apologies rock.  The track features a cheeky nod to The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again and sounds great - a good way to open the EP (and maybe concerts too?).

'Overloaded' sounds like an instant crowd pleaser with its fist pounded fast paced beat leading straight into the equally momentous 'Somebody Else'.  This reminds me of the early Angels' tracks a la Do You Wanna Riot but completely modernised. 

Next track, 'Shine It On', is perhaps the heaviest track on the EP but also perhaps the catchiest. A riff more akin to the Foo Fighters is the main hook, but the track evolves into a mid 70’s vibe complete with Deep Purple style ending, this track I think is destined to be a live favourite as the message of hope and determination is enough to send you back to real life with a big grin…

The all-too-soon closing track, 'Happy Ever After', has been beefed up from how it sounded on the September tour and leaves the EP on a high - not that it ever dipped!  If this EP doesn't make you get up, shout, dance around and completely lose yourself in the music then have someone check your pulse - you're probably dead!

CANCELLED SHOW!!!  CANCELLED SHOW!!!  CANCELLED SHOW!!!  CANCELLED SHOW!!!  CANCELLED

Regrettably, the concert at The Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard on Friday 6th April 2007 has been cancelled.  It hasn't been rescheduled - contact the venue for refunds.  See the associated Press Release.  Due to the short notice it hasn't been possible to find an alternate venue in the area in time for the tour but we shall endeavour to cater for anyone local on the more comprehensive September tour.  

BAND SHAKE-UP!!! BAND SHAKE-UP!!! BAND SHAKE-UP!!! BAND SHAKE-UP!!! BAND SHAKE-UP!!

Toby is proud to announce two new band members for the tour and future recordings, Andres Luengo replaces Matt E on drums and David Boyce takes over bass details from Roger Davis who have both regretfully announced their retirement from the project.  Toby gave me the following quote:

“Both Matt and Roger have decided to take a leave of absence on the coming touring for personal reasons, but I have found a very suitable rhythm section with Andres and David, both guys are battle hardened players and I am delighted to have them with me!”

Personally I wish Matt and Rog the very best for the future and welcome Andres and David onboard the good ship Jepson.  Rehearsals in London have been going well so far with the guys running through the mix of old and new material with a passion......

Speaking of which, Toby explained how important it was to get the new material "out there" this year.  He enjoyed playing the old Little Angels material as much as we enjoyed hearing them but it's time to show what is driving him forward now - so expect to hear plenty of tracks from the new EP, Twisted Rhapsodies, the Refresh EP and maybe a sneak preview of potential tracks from EP#2.  That's not to say there won't be any Angels material sneaking it's way onto the setlist though......

The Voice 
March 07