The Big One 2024 in Preview Sunday 10th

What do you know about Ruts DC? What do you want to know about Ruts DC? It’s nearly fifty years since the two sevens clashed. In a little over fifty more years, they will clash again.

Roughly around the time they last clashed the Ruts were hot wiring barbed wire guitar, passionate poetry and rhythm weaponry together somewhere in a London that probably does not exist anymore. Splicing heat haze dub thinking to the energy flash of punk ,close to the big bang of late twentieth century culture. Open to ideas. Committed to ideals.

Some band’s sound punk. Some look punk. Some even look and sound punk. And some, simply, are punk. The Ruts were early challengers to the misunderstood notion that punk was a somewhat luddite dogma wherein complexity, creative exploration and musical prowess were considered a shameful affectation.

The Rough Kutz have been at the vanguard of the UK Ska scene for over 30 years. The Rough Kutz were formed by Hazza (Hammond organ), Brigga (vocals) and Rat (guitar) in 1993. The first studio album, A Bit O’ Rough was released in 1998 on Antwerp-based ska label Skanky ‘Lil Records. After this release the band began touring Europe.

The Rough Kutz released a second album, Welcome to our World in 2002, followed by Another Week Another War in 2006 featuring Roddy Radiation as guest lead guitarist. Roddy later described them as his favourite UK ska band

AKA The Syndicate, are 7-piece band hailing from the various home counties around the South-East England and have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of genres – primarily ska and reggae since their formation in 2019. The band’s sound is characterised by soaring melodies, a powerful brass section, and a rhythm section that pulses with relentless energy. Their music often gives social commentary on everyday issues experienced by people living in Britain in the 21st Century.

Brighton based Ska Band Too Many Crooks formed after a Bad Manners gig in 1991. Saxophonist Alan Perry played with Bad Manners for a while. They have released 5 albums (the latest appearing in 2020) and provided 4 songs for the soundtrack of the British film Baby Juice Express. They also played on the 2006 hit single by Seagulls Ska in support of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

Dr Splink are from Somerset and Devon. Playing an original blend of ska, reggae, funk and punk. They have been compared with The Blockheads, Madness and The Stranglers. They are musicians who specialise in having lots of fun, getting crowds smiling, laughing and dancing!

Natural Right create their own unique blend of original reggae & ska whilst remain mindful of the bands Balkan roots. Since forming in 2016 the band are spread across Reading, Brighton, London & Athens. Though typically appearing as a 4-piece they occasionally perform with a brass section

Eufhoria are somewhat of an enigma. But we can tell you they’re a newly formed NY based reggae band with silky vocals and smooth chilled sounds, featuring experienced musicians. They haven’t made a video yet but they have sent this photo of a felt-tip pen drawing on a bit of paper so thats a start. Hey, that shows you we’re bringing in the very newest bands!