IRON CHEF.

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I would like to introduce you to ‘ Iron Chef ‘ – They are named after the YCNI:M track, and have a similar sound. They are a 3-piece alternative mathy rock band from Bristol. They have an appetite for energetic riffs and rhythms that make you wish you had more feet to dance with. Check them out below, and be sure to make a note of the live dates to see this three piece live. I for one, will be looking out for London dates.

Greg Walton – Drums, Vocals
Jon Ankers – Bass
Mikey Mo – Guitar, Vocals

How long have you guys been together?

Since last October (2011). So just over half a year, on and off. We’d have a lot more songs by now if we hadn’t been foolishly working on our theses.

How would you describe your sound?

As with most bands, it’s hard to describe your sound, you can rattle off similar band names, but it’s never wholly indicative of things. I’d say we could be described as frenetic, and slightly unpredictable, but at the same time, accessible. We try to make music that’s interesting, but also to keep an ear out for good song-writing. It’s easy to get lost in all these new ideas, but we try to keep it reigned in at least a little bit…sometimes…when Greg isn’t trying to shove poly-rhythms into our songs. In short, curious, riffy but dancey music.

Which other bands influence you, other than YCNI:M?

Between the three of us, we have a pretty diverse taste, and as a result, a huge list of influences. None of us can keep up with the constant list of bands that we’re recommending each other! A few that have been the most influential to Iron Chef’s sound are Biffy Clyro and Tubelord, with a sprinkling of At The Drive-In, Reuben, Porcupine Tree, and Oceansize.

Are you all fans of YCNI:M?

I’m (Mikey) probably the biggest fan out of the three. I’ve shoved YCNI:M tracks into the faces of the others, and they’ve been digging them. Our drummer (Greg) and I have an obsession with unconventional rhythms — something that’s ended up in all the tracks we’ve written recently. Milo songs have an abundance of them, as well as having an energy that can only be fully appreciated in a live show. I wish they’d just get back together already… but don’t we all?

What is it about the song ‘ Iron Chef ‘ that inspired you to use the song title as your band name?

We’re fans of the TV show (the Japanese version); the name of the Milo song led us to it. Apparently we have it over here but we’ve never seen it. For those who don’t know it, it’s like MasterChef but blown even more out of proportion. An American friend of mine was very confused when I asked her to like our Facebook page. She thought we were entering the competition. Oh, and there’s that Futurama episode based on it too.

The thing we love about the name ‘Iron Chef’ is that it sorta implies we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but it’s not ridiculous enough for other people to think of us as a comedy band or something. Oh, it also allows us to throw in the odd culinary pun if we’re feeling particularly on the ball.

What do you make of the new guys new projects that have developed since the hiatus?

There’s been a pretty good range of stuff from the new projects. The British Expeditionary Force have a great atmospheric feel, and the new electronicky Losers’ sound is really interesting. The Automatic got a lot better when Paul joined. And then of course there’s Young Legionnaire.

Which is your favourite and why?

Young Legionnaire. They’ve been the most effective at partially filling the Milo shaped hole in our souls. The original line-up included William Bowerman, the drummer for Brontide, who are just incredible. Anyone who hasn’t checked them out need to do that immediately.

Are you guys playing any shows in the near future?

We’ve got a couple of Bristol shows lined up, and we’re currently scheduled to play a random show in Canterbury with the absolutely brilliant Fish Tank.

Currently confirmed dates:

28th June – The Croft, Bristol
10th July – The Cherry Tree, Canterbury
26th June – The Cooler, Bristol

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/realironchef
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/realironchef
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ironchefband