UK CRISIS: In 1995 after several years working for a London Theatre Company as a sound engineer and later running a Recording Studio and working as a Music Producer Neville Meredith formed 'UK Crisis' with Russell Grooms (also with Lucky Soul) after the previous outfit they were in, Shuzbutt, disbanded. Brit pop band Shuzbutt had released a vinyl EP on Neville Meredith's first label Kurve Records but were unable to continue momentum after it's release..
Best described as rock/crossover the first album as UK Crisis - 'Adversity' was recorded in a barn during 1995/96 and never really completed, although this gives the album a terrific raw sound and a unique style which continues till this day. The second album 'Spirit Level' (started in 96 & finally finished in 2000) was a crossover of rock, breakbeat and lo-fi... the tracks 'Cold Dawn' (with guest singer Alanamay) and 'Spirit Level' won several Independent Internet awards.... The third album - 'Crossover'.. was critically acclaimed.. reviewed by Mark Bayross from Phase 9 Entertainment he says, "Despite being released on singer/songwriter Neville Meredith's own RomanTown music and film label, it's impeccably produced stuff, combining laid-back guitar with expansive, danceable beats and the kind of cool vocal delivery rock stars are made of. Stylistically, the record veers all over the shop, from the Mondays-esque dirty funk of ELLIVEN to the Chemical Brothers-style floor-fillers like FLOATING CITIES and extended trance of GOODBYE ADVERSITY".
'Small Town Prisoner', released in Dec 2004, was the 4th UK Crisis album. The opening track 'Circle' was No5 in the Indie Journal's Top 40 Indie Songs of 2004. Singer Alanamay continued her guest role and sang on the tracks 'Circle' & 'Somnolent' The album was picked up by the independent radio station network and warmly received in the Indy community and still sells well in online retailers...
In 2005 the band took an 8 year break but have recently started work on a new album. more news to follow...
UK CRISIS - SMALL TOWN PRISONER
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5star review on iTunes by retroman saying "Simply brilliantly produced and well recorded album. Intelligent use of arrangement bordering on jazz but far too rock to hold that pretension and too dancy to stay in that genre. An almost lo-fi sound in places, it is a genre-splicing classic that deserves better recognition, buy it.."
5star review on cdbaby.com by Simon Brown saying, "Quintessentially English. Imagine Peter Gabriel with extra beats. If you like stuff like Peter Gabriel, you should give this a listen. Expect strong beats matched to synth sounds, bizarre reverse effects and virtuoso, but not showy, guitars. Neville Meredith's vocals are strong but understated while Alanamay adds a lighter vocal touch to some of the tracks. Don't expect Small Town Prisoner to get you dancing in the aisles, that's not what the album's about. The tone is introspective and the songs get you thinking. Definitely worth a listen.
