Unsigned (label)
15 July 2010 (released)
17 July 2010
Adrian Roye and the Exiles are a four piece London based band that, since their formation in 2008, has gone from strength to strength.
Regularly playing gigs at venues like the Jazz Café or the Luminaire (supporting acts like Nell Bryden) - Adrian and fellow Exiles have just launched their new single The Only Poster Child. Once again, the event took place at the Luminaire (read the review by my colleague Andy Snipper).
With musical styles and influences ranging from pop rock, reggae, soul and even the occasional dash of folk, The Only Poster Child has been described as “A collaboration between The Smiths and Fela Kuti”. Quite why is somewhat of a puzzle to me, for ‘Poster Child’ sounds more uplifting than anything ever churned out by The Smiths, despite the song being about a boy who tries to make good but who always ends up being pushed down due to his looks and his behaviour. And while Fela Kuti inspired afro-beat and jazz nuances certainly ring through, the dominating sound here is actually rather calypso driven, blended with an upbeat and irresistible pop tune.
The result is a fantastic track that not only oozes warmth but it is very danceable, too. All the while, Adrian Roye and the Exiles remain faithful to the various roots music influences they so skilfully fuse. If the new single is an indication of how the next album/EP might sound, then bring it on. The sooner, the better!
Check out the band’s MySpace (www.myspace.com/adrianroyemusic) for further info and regular tour updates.
