No Soap No Radio offers a considerable and kaleidoscopic catalogue of great songs and dynamic, accessible music, boasting great rhythmic command and heart-stopping refrains. Their latest release, While You Were Gone, is a compelling album demonstrating everything that makes No Soap No Radio distinctive and memorable.
Built on the songs of guitarist/vocalist Mark Wilson, No Soap No Radio’s sound spans musical genres – from classic rock and pop to the complex jazz-influence of Steely Dan’s fusion or Etta James’ blues – whilst firmly asserting its own stamp. Combining grace, substance and edge, with spacious melodies and subtle arrangements, the songs are both immediate and complex. The lyrics are cerebral, wry and dry, with movingly poetic, sometimes dramatic, visual metaphors firmly rooted in vignettes of the everyday – situations, journeys, satire and affection.
Wilson’s heartfelt vocal delivery is intimate and passionate conversational and intense, always pushing the emotional depth of his lyrics. Bassist Tim Appleby’s classical and jazz roots give the songs depth and direction, perfectly complemented by drummer Paul Taylor’s dynamic and sensitive approach, fusing jazz delicacy with driving rock and Latin punch. Lead guitarist Steve McCormick has the rare ability to move seamlessly from background to foreground, through subtle orchestration and chord work with syncopated rhythms to visceral and searing lead guitar solos. With a sonic palette spanning heavy metal and country, Steve moves fluidly between melodic, inventive finesse and brilliant, abrasive attack.
Based in the north of England, No Soap No Radio have built a loyal following over a number of years.
MARK WILSON FROM NO SOAP NO RADIO – IN CONVERSATION WITH GROOVE MUSIC MAGAZINE
Tell us why you think your songs are original and different ?
I think the songs, although lyrically driven, are also upliftingly melodic with strong arrangements and chord progressions that I arrive at sometimes through long hard work, but always a bit mysteriously, during writing. As a band, the combination of our varied musical tastes and our respect for each other’s musical contributions keep things surprising and unlikely ever to slide unknowingly into cliché. But ‘references’ are always useful and we use them, I think wryly, all the time.
How does music affect you and the world around you ?
It is a beacon of hope in an apparently ‘angry’ world. I’m very romantic about the power of music to inspire, to stir and soothe – it’s the way it’s always been for me.
Why did you decide to play the genre or genres/style of music you do ?
It comes as a natural consequence of the songs and the disparate but broad and highly imbricated different musical backgrounds we each bring.
What are the 5 things you can’t live without ?
Writing, Guitar, Good food and IPAs, Humour and Art.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs ?
Visionary stuff, the challenge to ideals, existential struggles, love, death, passion pettiness and dedication…
The new album, While You Were Gone, will be released on June 17th 2017 and will be available to buy direct from the band’s website (www.nsnr.co.uk) and various digital platforms.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytR9FjdGVsE