The funk-fuelled hip-hop 5 piece come equipped with a name that’s kind of a play on words already, so we never bothered to come up with one for the header. We did, however, strap them down and feed them booze until they talked.
Words: Andrew Almond
Pics: Mickelmas Youngus
Music, at the best of times, is hard to define. Perhaps that’s why we love it, and it would be a brave writer who attempts to define the wonderfully idiosyncratic menagerie of personalities, musicians and orators that is Burleskimo. For the sake of clarity the band’s approach to music can be précised, if more than a little simplistically, as; an eclectic, eccentric, unique mix of Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Soul and Funk.
The five piece, along with the boss from their label Itchy Pig Leeroy Powell, meet TOAST in London Road’s Cremorne where the conversation and welcome received is thankfully much warmer than the sub-arctic conditions of mid-January Sheffield outside. One of the first things that appears most strikingly upon first meeting Burleskimo is that they like to not only talk, but they like to talk with self-belief. But this isn’t the thinly veiled arrogance of over-confidence that many bands spout which ultimately manifests itself through clichéd generic statements of grandiose intent. No, Burleskimo are a group of musicians who don’t have to resort to such insincere proclamations.
It’s the sort of passion that oozes from drummer/beatboxer Oliver ‘Unome’ Pontefract, so when he says that Dr Teeth and The Electric Mayhem (from the Muppets) is “the BEST name for a band ever” you absolutely believe him.It comes as no surprise to learn that Burleskimo are an outfit that move quickly. Although initially forming in 2009 as a seven piece before evolving into a “nine or ten piece with a brass section and three female singers” the current line up as been together for over a year now.
MC Mike ‘Copius’ Curran states how “when we started was we had an idea, off the cuff and we decided to see if we could make it work. And I needed to get out there”. Following the annexation of guitarist Mark Villholm, who by his own admission, had “two weeks to learn a lot of material”, Unome tells of how the band undertook “three gigs and less than two weeks after we finished that third gig went to record the EP, in that time we managed to write a new tune and record three tunes”.
It was after this period of instinctive proactivity that the band retreated to hone their live set and concentrate on writing original material. “That’s why the [upcoming] album’s really important because it sums up what we’ve been doing”, summarises vocalist and cellist Louise Gold, who by the band’s admission adds “much needed female influence” to the Burleskimo collective.Understandably, Itchy Pig’s Leeroy Powell is one of the key advocates of the band, and it’s obvious as he enthuses about their future that, when you’re part of the Burleskimo inner-circle, the positive atmosphere surrounding the band rubs off on all those who cross their path.
Leeroy outlines the upcoming Burleskimo schedule with a verve and vigour that only someone who passionately believes in his artist can demonstrate. “In the next 6 weeks: get the album started, we’ve got a video shoot as well and various gigs around the UK. We’re going to be giving out a free track too.”
Perhaps the most tantalising aspect of the band is the lucid, organic approach that they take to all aspects of band life, whether it be recorded, composing or playing live. “It wouldn’t work without these guys” admits Copius, suggesting that the bond that the band shares runs far deeper than just making music. This is further evident on record.
Listen for example to ‘World’s Gone Crazy’ with its elastic bass line, staccato funk guitar groove and razor sharp lyrical observations. It’s a rare thing to hear music so well crafted and intricate, sound so effortless and natural. It’s an approach that’s reflected live too; “The brilliant thing about Burleskimo is they’re such a presence on stage” Leeroy describes before Louise explains how the band has a repertoire of “different sets for different time and places”, which can be broken down, broadly speaking into a “hypnotic” intensely charged set, and as Unome adds, “one that falls more into the funk genre”.
There is one occurrence that takes place at every Burleskimo gig however, regardless of the set list of choice, “He always falls off his stool” bassist Edward Chester quips pointing towards Unome. “If there’s an unexpected silence it’s because I’ve fallen off the stage” the drummer admits, grinning as he does so. It’s reassuring to learn that the band members have big plans for both 2012 and beyond. Aside from releasing more music, Edward explains how the band want to embark on “at least a national tour and maybe a couple dates overseas, we’ve got connections in places like France where can take it a bit further… just to get out there and play because modern music is all about the live performance.”
Oh, and if you were wondering the origin of the band name, the guys themselves aren’t exactly sure either. “To be honest I joined the band and it was already called that and I haven’t asked the question myself” jokes guitarist Mark. It comes down to Louise to attempt to, rather unsuccessfully, draw a line under the debate, “We looked up burlesque and it’s not just about stripping, it’s about subverting the norm…so it means all things”. We end our highly entertaining time together with Copius attempting the impossible; succinctly summarising Burleskimo’s music and their position as one of Sheffield’s most exciting and unique musical outfits, “we delve into quite a lot of genres and I think we carry it well… I think between us we have something very special here, Burleskimo’s definitely an outfit to be recognised” he declares.
On the evidence of tonight, not to mention the music that can be heard online, and with the backing of Itchy Pig, there is no doubt that Burleskimo will not only become recognised, but stalwarts of the live circuit in Sheffield and beyond.
Burleskimo are due to play Penelope’s on the 3rd February. I cannot encourage you enough to go and catch them live.