Formed in the summer of apathy, 2004, Pale is the collaboration of four individuals with the same objective, to challenge the dead, formulaic, non-scene of the swamp town of Stafford and beyond. The manifesto was simple: create the most genre defying sound they were capable of, to keep the audience second guessing as to what they would hear next and smash their preconceptions.
“A cracking rock band, with shades of classic Sabbath and Zep
with a new twist” Dave Hamer BBC Radio SubCulture
Being true believers and intense music fans, Mikey (vox), Mark (guitar), Gep (bass), Stoobie (drums), set about bringing together myriad of diverse influences to hone a truly unforgettable and indefinable mix of soaring vocals, hyper-fuzz guitars, thumping melodic bass and hypnotic tribal rhythms. Initially playing to local audiences with intense rapture, the band were soon slaying audiences at concert venues and universities throughout the West Midlands region, leading to the release of their first self-produced recording “An Unmutual Prospect”.
“…slash-jangle alternating with storm-force guitars…” www.unpeeled.com
“Perfect is an excellent track“ Debbie Wickett of www.planetthrash.com
The next summer saw two breakthrough festival appearances at Staffordshire’s “The Middle of Nowhere” and “Live at the Castle”, which firmly established Pale as a live force to be reckoned with and expand their base of loyal comrades and acolytes. During a brief live hiatus Pale set about perfecting their next release “An Endless Game” which brilliantly reflected the bands broad spectrum of influences; from funk and dub, grunge, post-rock and beyond. Securing a world wide digital release, the EP sells steadily to this day and received celebratory reviews.
“…like a speeded up Wire, then yearning rawk vocals spread over the fidgety energy, but this is likeable stuff, with fascinating interplay between the slender, slippery guitar and bass which provide real melodic control…Curebind is the one… with cool lyrics and an utterly glorious chorus…” www.mickmercer.com
Following a change of personnel on tub-thumping duties, the band embarked on a new, more raw, streamlined sound leading to their first live session on BBC radio’s SUBCulture show in August 2007, DJ’s Matt Lee and Dave Hamer describing them as “Riff-tastic!”. Rapidly followed by more live dates in the area at Wolverhampton’s Little Civic, Birmingham’s Bar Academy and Actress & Bishop, as well as Dudley’s JB’s and the Rigger in Stoke, electrifying audiences into a frenzy on the way. Keen to capture the new sound on tape, more recording ensued with “Flippin’ The Bird” a notable artistic zenith.
“Genre defying” Tone Le Bone
“One of the best live acts around” Jimmy the Wheel, RedSpot UK.
With the return of Stoobie to the drum stool and another triumphant BBC radio session in April 2008, the band continue to expand their exquisite blend of heavy, harmonic rock with a soon to be released self recorded album and slew of live appearances. Pale strive to spread the word to the spoon fed and release them from their blinkers.
Contentment is the enemy of invention.
My happiness becomes a liability,
It stifles my creativity.
James Wright
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