Castrovalva (band)

Castrovalva
Live at Leeds 2010
Live at Leeds 2010
Background information
OriginLeeds, West Yorkshire, England
GenresDance-punk, grindie, Nintendocore
Years active2007–2012
LabelsBrew
Members
Websitepumppump.co.uk

Castrovalva are an English noise rock band, formed in 2007 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Originally a duo of Daniel Brader (drums) and Anthony Wright (bass guitar), they expanded to a trio with the addition of Leemun Smith (vocals) in 2009.[1] Smith had previously guested on the band's self-titled debut album and provided the cover art.[2] The band is named after the M.C. Escher painting of the same name.[citation needed]

History

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In 2009 the band released their eponymous debut album and toured with bands such as Pulled Apart by Horses and Monotonix.[3] Their second album, We Are a Unit was released in April 2010 on the independent label Brew Records, to positive reviews.[1][4] The NME described it as "a fine display of this Leeds trio's skills",[1] while Drowned in Sound called it "a breathtaking listen",[4] Subba-Cultcha described the album as "a mind blowing sonic buffet".[5] while Tasty described it as "raw punk music played with a metallic intensity by a group of individuals who are no doubt as drastically unhinged as their bizarre name suggests".[6] Artrocker made it album of the month, giving it a 5/5 rating.[7]

Leemun Smith Offset Festival in support of We Are A Unit

Discography

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Albums

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  • Castrovalva (2009), Brew
  • We Are a Unit (2010), Brew
  • You're Not In Hell, You're In Purgatory My Friend (2012), Brew

Singles

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  • "Thug Poetry" (2009), Brew
  • "Senorita (on Brew/DTTR split)" (2011), Brew/DTTR
  • "In Our Prime (on Brew split)" (2011), Brew
  • "I Am The Golden Widow / Senorita" (2012), Brew

References

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  1. ^ a b c Parker, Rob (2010) "Album Review: Castrovalva - 'We Are A Unit'", NME, 16 April 2010, retrieved 2010-09-11
  2. ^ "Castrovalva To Release Debut Album", Voxy.co.nz, 15 March 2010, retrieved 2010-09-11
  3. ^ "Castrovalva: dividing opinions", BBC, 26 October 2009, retrieved 2010-09-11
  4. ^ a b Stephen, Paul (9 April 2010). "Album Review: Castrovalva - We Are a Unit / Releases / Releases // Drowned In Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Archived from the original on 12 April 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  5. ^ "We Are A Unit Castrovalva", Subba-Cultcha, retrieved 2010-09-11
  6. ^ Hiorns, Banjamin (2010) "albums - april 2010: Castrovalva - We Are A Unit (Brew Records)", Tasty, retrieved 2010-09-11
  7. ^ Depares, Dave (2010) "Welcome to the F*ckfest", Artrocker
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