Features

Slybob have been around for a while. Formed in late 2000 Mike Ashelby (vocals), Rhydian Caines (guitar), Saf Armstrong (bass) and Mark Kinge (drums and percussion) have earned some rave reviews over the past four years.

It began well for the lads after they were labeled the University of Warwick’s Most Promising Act shortly after forming. The award was testament to the live performances Slybob put in to help create their sound.

Saf Armstrong

But it doesn’t stop there.

Rubbing shoulders with some big guns

The boys have already rubbed shoulders with two of the most respected bands from the height of the Britpop era – The Bluetones and Space.

As well as earning a slot at The Coventry Festival last year, Slybob have been increasing their fanbase across the country with gigs in Leeds, Southampton and Brighton.

Their most prestigious gig to date has to be that at the Dublin Castle in Camden where they headlined in early 2004.

Bugbear promotions, who put on the Dublin Castle gig said of the band: “Slybob produce a unique post rock, mod pop, enthusiasm soaked set … with changes that put The Coral in the shade and beautiful harmonies to boot.

Mark Kinge

“Spines will tingle I assure you”.

And you can find out if the boys really do have this phenomenal backbone ability later this month because they’re playing several gigs.

Catch Slybob live

You can catch Slybob at Cox’s Yard in Stratford on Friday, 14 January, the following Tuesday at the University of Warwick. They then head back to the Yard for a heat in the 2005 Battle of the Bands on Wednesday 19 before a couple of dates in Leamington (St Paul’s Church on Friday 21and Bubbles on Thursday 27). Slybob then head back to Coventry for a gig on Sunday 30 January at Studio 54 in Coventry University’s Students’ Union.

Slybob

And if that wasn’t enough the boys are also packing in gigs in both London and Leicester as well as holing themselves up in a rehearsal studio to work on tracks for the shows and potentially to prepare to record next month.

If you don’t manage to get yourselves along then you could try and get hold of their promo from last year which features the three tracks Don’t Waste My Time, Out of the Sighs and Misunderstood. You can even listen to the first of those tracks by clicking on the link on the left.

How to get featured

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire's Band of the Month feature aims to showcase the best local musical talent.

If you think you and/or your band are worthy enough of a feature then email us at: coventry@bbc.co.uk or by using the address on the right.

You can use the same address to contact us with any gig details.