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Ruckus Collective

From the dark depths of Bristol’s legendary underground music scene come five beatnik students and one garden centre sales assistant, with a flair for crushing grooves and poignant lyricism that ignites on stage in a manic explosion of relentless kinetic energy.

Although existent in various forms since October 2006, it was not until early 2008 that the Ruckus Collective really took off, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting new bands. A constantly evolving palette of influences including funk, jazz, rock, hip-hop, ska, reggae and ambient electronica has drawn comparisons with the likes of Ozomatli and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but in reality it is impossible to categorise this remorselessly genre-smashing punk fusion party sound.

The recording of Stop, Drop, Dance! in June ’08 represented a high point for the six members, keen to capture the group’s live potential with a debut album funded by months of heavy gigging. The studio experience had ups and downs, but its result is a disc that successfully portrays the edgy creativity and incendiary dancefloor power which never fails to raise a ruckus.

Tags

"a modern funk band that didn't make me want to rip my own ears off" - BBC Bristol Uncovered

"a frenetic, unhinged yet soulful brand of funk... live, they are a formidable force, combining evident musicianship with an energy that channels a definite punk vibe" - London Tourdates

"a ferocious jazz-funk-rock fusion with a rhythm section that could drive any band" - Live Music Scene

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