When The Horn blows: "Need to hear three minutes of unabashed, unhinged The Fall esque joy, wallowing in its own filth?"
Right Chord Music: "A fascinating showcase of post-punk mayhem.”
Flare Magazine: “Setting a liberating intensity from the get-go”
San Vito Ryder's debut EP "Taste My Charm" is a raw power neo-punk masterpiece. Backed by his band The Churchbell Silencers, it documents the turbulent tale of “Crystal Cruella” who finds herself caught between a desire for death and a refusal to succumb to it. “Crystal Cruella” is released on the 1st of March sets the stage for a captivating journey of dark thrills and the consequences that ensue.
One of the key elements that sets “Crystal Cruella” apart is the theme of desire and survival. Crystal Cruella's conflicting desires for death and life paint a complex portrait of a woman struggling to reconcile her inner demons. San Vito's motivations for involving himself with Tree Lily (a fictional drug, taken from Nina Simone’s, Lilac Wine) are also left hanging in the air, adding to the intrigue and suspense.
Drawing inspiration from Iggy Pop, The Amazing Snakeheads, and The Wytches, San Vito Ryder weaves a thrilling punk tapestry that will leave listeners literally on the edge of their pews. The addition of The Wytches' singer Kristian Bell behind the drum kit adds an extra layer of intensity, creating a unique blend of influences that transcends genres.
"Taste My Charm" is not just a collection of songs; it is almost like reading a novel. Each track tells a story, painting a vivid picture of the lives of the enigmatic characters within the EP. The journey from track to track is sporadic and chaotic, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the individuals depicted in the music.
The production of San Vito Ryder's single and EP, handled by Luke Oldfield (son of Mike Oldfield) adds significantly to the overall intensity and vitality of the band's sound. Luke
Oldfield's production style is characterised by its crisp and dynamic nature, perfectly capturing the raw energy that the band exudes in their live performances.
One of the key aspects of the production is the recording of the track on tape at Fish Factory in London. By utilising this analog medium, Oldfield has managed to capture the essence of San Vito Ryder's sound, giving it a raw and organic quality. Mixed on tape at the Oldfield family's home studio (Tile House home studio where Moonlight Shadow was recorded) it further emphasises the dedication to preserving the original sound of the band's performances. By fine-tuning the audio elements with meticulous precision, the final product of these efforts is a recording that possesses a distinct character and charm. It has that beautifully rough, old fashioned feel that we know and love from the iconic punk records of the 1980's from groups such as The Fall, The Birthday Party, and Sex Pistols, who revolutionised rock music with their raw and uncompromising sound.
"Crystal Cruella" is the first single taken from an EP that defies categorisation. Merging rock and roll with a post-punk Gothic flare, this debut single paints a captivating picture of a world where darkness and desire collide. With its raw power, intriguing characters, and haunting melodies, "Crystal Cruella" is destined to become a classic in the neo-punk genre.
GIGS
Black Heart, Camden – 29th March EP Launch Party