Bones Park Rider - Press Kit (EPK)
BONES PARK RIDER: "Awesome alt-punk" (Vive Le Rock).
Overview
BONES PARK RIDER are widely regarded as one of the most exciting and proficient bands to emerge from Sheffield’s thriving underground music scene.
Known for their fiercely energetic stage show and intelligent, skin-tight, textured songs, the seasoned four-piece conjure a rare and varied brand of alternative, high-octane rock n roll. BPR formed in 2009 with a mission to encapsulate the vibrancy and immediacy of '78(ish) era alternative guitar bands. A myriad of influences and original thinking has set them apart, and the band has made a name for itself through its blistering stage show and run of very well received records.
After excellent receptions with the likes of The Beat, Dead Boys and UK Subs they released their highly acclaimed second album ‘There But for the Grace of God’ which achieved a heady 9/10 in Vive Le Rock magazine. Their new EP "Year of the Rat" was released in 2021, followed up with a collectors' edition 7" picture disc single featuring two of the tracks.
BPR are currently hard at work crafting their 3rd album.
pic by Kevin Wells
Discography
- Little Black Book/Habitual Need (single) - 2022 Picture Disc 7" vinyl
- Year Of The Rat (EP)- 2021 CD/digital
- Down Among The Dead Men (single) - 2020 digital
- There But For The Grace Of God (album) - 2017 CD/digital
- Nothing Left To Talk About (single) - 2017 digital
- The Girl In The Record Shop (EP) - 2013 CD/digital
- Two Degrees Of Separation (album) - 2011 CD/digital
Band Members
Current members: - Andy Walker - Vocals (2018-) - David Wilkes - Guitar/Vocals (2009-) - Clive H - Bass (2012-) - Rob Shapiro - Drums (2021-)
Past members: - Dave Roberts - Drums (2009 to 2020) - Thom James - Vocals/Guitar (2009 to 2016) - Steve Hulme - Bass (2009 to 2012) - Micky Bones - Vocals (2016-2018)
History
The story so far: After meeting down at the front of the final Cardiacs gig in Sheffield in 2007, three survivors of the 1980's/90's Sheffield alternative scene decided to join forces and take up arms once more. Influenced by the explosive energy of Pub Rock, the pounding rhythms of the Post-Punk alternative scene, the infectious melody of New Wave and raw aggression of classic 77/78 Punk, they recruited a vocalist and commenced gigging with the likes of Spear of Destiny, UK Subs, 999 and many others releasing their self-published debut EP “Ne’re do Wells” and album “Two Degrees of Separation” on Hepcat Records.
In 2012, following the departure of their bassist (Steve Hulme), ex-Psycho Surgeons bassist Clive joined and a second EP was released on Record Store Day in 2013 called "The Girl in the Record Shop" which immediately sold out and more gigs ensued with the likes of Members, Vice Squad, The Beat, Chelsea, Anti Pasti and Duncan Reid.
When their original singer (Thom James) retired in 2016, vocalist Micky Bones stepped up to the microphone and within 4 weeks embarked on a mini-tour. In 2017 the band released their second album “There but for the Grace of God” containing ten twisted tales of misfortune. Reviews have been universally outstanding praising the band’s variety, depth and accomplishment with Viva Le Rock magazine giving it 9/10.
The band springboard into 2018 with gigs with the likes of Dead Boys, Anti-Nowhere League and the Lurkers. Mid-year brought an unexpected vacancy in the centre stage, however once again they switched vocalists without a break in stride (enjoying a well-received spell as a 3-piece in the interim). With vocal powerhouse Andy Walker now in place full time, the band recorded the EP Year of the Rat just before the first lockdown of the 2020 pandemic. They released a single from that session - Down Among The Dead Men - later the same year, but decided to withhold the full EP release until it was possible to perform and promote it in a live setting (which would clearly be impossible during the stop-start of Covid lockdowns).
Meanwhile in 2020, drummer Dave Roberts decided it was a good time to hang up his sticks, and within a few weeks the band were pleased to announce that Rob Shapiro had joined as their full-time drummer. The Year of the Rat was eventually released on CD and all online platforms in Autumn 2021, to be accompanied by a picture disc single.
Comments and reviews for 'There But For The Grace Of God' by BONES PARK RIDER: "Awesome alt-punk... 9/10" Vive Le Rock." "A huge dose of hooks and melody" Punk Online. "A great album and some of the best lyrics in punk today" Arturo Bassick, The Lurkers / 999. "One of the most accomplished and enjoyable albums that I've been lucky enough to encounter in recent years." Alvin Gibbs, UK Subs. ”These melodies instantly lodge in the mind while the vocals pack a considerable punch... 10 excellent and varied tracks” The Punkmonger.
pic by Kevin Wells
