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| "Hailing from Southend-on-Sea, Misnomer formed in 1999 primarily to experiment with new sounds and ideas. John Lacey, originally from Scotland, was working with keyboards and drum samples. After several months of defining a new genre, Electro-Punk, gigs were on the horizon and John needed a band. He needed look no further than his brother, 16-year-old James. His teenage enthusiasm and obsessions with all things "rock" added a powerful dimension to the Misnomer sound. For a band so young, they had already developed a sound lying between New Order's melodic rhythms and Radiohead's angst and power, showing a musical maturity way beyond their teenage years. After a number of successful gigs, they were developing a deservedly good reputation within the London circuit, and on the internet, where their tracks were receiving thousands of downloads a week. Russian bass player Anton was a later addition - seeing the band at a live performance, he liked the original sound and ended the night as the third Misnomer, adding his unique lyrical style to the proceedings. Dazed, a powerful all-round guitarist was initially drafted in to help fill out the "live" sound but rapidly became an integral part of the overall musical direction when the rest of the band recognised her far-reaching talent. Kerri, a unique vocalist joined the band after it was decided that the sound would benefit form a beautiful female vocal, and she fitted the bill perfectly. Misnomer are a rare breed; with much instrument swapping, influence sharing and rock 'n' roll shenanigans, their lazy effortless Sonic Youth class and all singing all writing style has led them to the forefront of the industry's attention. They have headlined major London venues, supported the likes of Mel B (Spice Girls) and Chesney Hawkes in concert, and achieved over 300,000 MP3 downloads of their music worldwide. The sky is most certainly the limit for them" - MusicUnsigned.com |
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Radio plays:
WNNX (Atlanta, USA)
WWWQ (Atlanta, USA)
WEND (Charlotte, USA)
WKQX (Chicago, USA)
CMIX (Detroit, USA)
KRBE (Houston, USA)
KPNT (St. Louis, USA)
KNDD (Seattle, USA)
WPLJ (New York, USA)
WPLY (Philadelphia, USA)
WDWN (New York, USA)
CIUT FM (Toronto, Canada)
KRCL 90.9 FM (Utah, USA)
Europe+ (Moscow, Russia)
Radio Siberia
Radio Free Abattoir 5.00
BBC Radio 1 (Steve Lamacq):
"Well-executed plaintive prog pop sung with a sweet mournful vocal..."
MakeaStar.com Industry Review of "Genius ('03)":
"Overall Score: 8.4/10 -- (Music) A wonderfully spacious and ambient setup for an explosive jaunt into the dark side of reality. This dynamic, melodically infectious track, with a killer groove and economically sound arrangement, is sure to win the approval of many a listener as well as to create a firm musical footing with potential industry execs. (Lyrics) Expressive, poignant, and ever so dark, these words create a visual experience that takes the reader directly into the scene and leaves them with a sinking heartfelt feeling, more than likely as intended. Great job. (Arrangement / Production) All sounds, tones, and their respective placement in the arrangement and the mix, have been produced in a highly creative and professional manner... (Musicianship) All performances are well written, produced and performed, and recorded. Hopefully, this is an actual group and not just a studio production, as you should stay together indefinitely. You are certainly well advanced in your chosen genre, and if you stand the test of time, should improve as with fine wine. (Marketability) As a finished and polished final master, this track and I'm assuming many others of yours, could fair quite well in the Modern Rock and Alternative markets, and do as well with your fan base online or at your live shows... (Overall) By taking the steps to give your music an undeniably polished edge, you will attract the cream of the industry crop, who will want to hold your art up high on a pedestal, rather than toss it into the amateur reject bin. Thank you for allowing me to review your work. (Zip)"
Meltdown Magazine review of 'Press Here for Release'
"5 stars -- The undisputed Massive Attack of the alternative scene, Misnomer's third album shows their most wide ranging set of influences yet. Taking in numerous vocalists along the way, they veer effortlessly from darkwave pop to leftfield electronica to acoustic balladry, weaving a unique sound that is both evocative and creepingly addictive. I think more than any other this band have the potential to break through into the mainstream, the moody sweeping synths that define their sound as at home on MTV Dance as in a darkened bedroom. Yet nothing is predictable: '6:01(Fake It)' goes from ethereal female vocals to rapping to distorted vocals more associated with power electronics. There is a sense of urgency in tracks like 'Sentence' that belies the overall ambience, yet the wealth of ideas and influences never detracts from the incredible strength of the songwriting. This is an essential release. (I Troutindrag)"
MusicReviewers.com review of "Genius ('03)"
"8.2/10 -- When one is confronted with a song title like this one, one thinks This had better be good and expects to be disappointed. Therefore, one is left feeling rather angry that for once the swagger is backed up by substance and the hype does not fall short of the truth. There is very little to fault here. The introduction establishes a vast yet detailed soundscape, with precise guitar work, Cure-esque bass and well-positioned synth. The production on the drums is pin-sharp. The vocal is pleasant and powerful, and the build-up is well paced. The chorus, when it comes in, is an epic powerhouse of distortion, angst and sincerity. The dynamics of the track are spot on loud/quite, but without losing any of the integrity of the soundscape. The stereo (nice touch!) guitar feedback and the vocal harmonies intertwine to deliver a spine-shattering firestorm of music, and the outro leaves the listener feeling satisfied, but somehow guilty. I have one or two minor gripes the second verse could perhaps use more lyrical variation and the bass drum could be a touch louder on the chorus. Overall, this track is the epitome of professionalism with excellent single potential."
A.R.R. review of 'Misnomer 2000-2003'
"Essentially a 'best of' record containing Misnomer's finest moments released between - you guessed it! - 2000 to 2003, this is a good starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the electronic group with industrial and ambient elements. With the current dominance of Linkin Park and Evanescence, it's clearly a good time for Misnomer to be playing their brand of laid-back electronic rock. 21-year-old singer Kerri-Anne Bundock displays a fine set of lungs, complimenting the electro-beats well, which is where the strong Evanescence comparison enters the equation. Whereas Evanescence is a rock band with electronic aspects, Misnomer are clearly an electronic band with some hints of rock influences, like on the soaring 'Genius', the stand-out moment with its chorus of "Where did I put my happy face?" sticking out. On every track the synths dominate the landscapes created by Yvonne Okoduwa, James Lacey and Anton Shelupanov (the official website states "Little is known about Anton's past, except that he was born in Siberia in the late 70s/early 80s" - mysterious to say the least!) but let's get back on track: the distorted vocals on 'You Can't : You Can' adds a welcome element to the dreamy vocals provided by Kerri-Anne, and chilled nature whilst 'Sentence' could almost be Kraftwork updated for the Noughties, as a European feel is felt within the dark ambience. 'My Mistake' displays lovely Aphex Twin touches in the unobtrusive rhythmic beats and calming effects, that goes one step further on 'Start The Machine Up', layering the voice samples and adding layers of dense strings. The record is very serene and composed, breaking briefly from the pattern on 'Sentence', an upbeat electro-clash of New Order and Moby with blips, strings and monotone male vocals. All in all, this is an assured and confident band, as evident during Misnomer's time at mp3.com when they had over 300,000 downloads and reaching #1 in the charts. Impressive."
Luna Cafe review of 'Press Here for Release'
"...a very accomplished and original album"
Neon Promotions review of Promo CD
"Starting with the best version yet of "Genius", this Cd showcases some of the band's greatest work to date. If you are not already acquainted with these guys, then think chilled goth vibe with a dance influence and killer songs. "You Can't : You can" winds along slowly, and contrasts a distorted rap vocal with gentle, ethereal female voice - making for a quite beautiful offering. Third and final track "Target : London" is a gentle but deep song that creates a real sense of longing. A new genre has evolved - Urban post Gothic." |
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| Date |
Venue/Club |
Location |
| November 16, 2000 |
The Kursaal |
Southend-on-Sea, UK |
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Location:
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Misnomer Website
john_laceyuk@yahoo.co.uk
Regular Tour Area:
London |
