THE WBC: Debut Album 'Hi-Fidelity Offbeat' Jun. 1

“Let’s all pray their debut album isn’t too far off” – Rip It Up.

The prayers have been answered.

So they’ve taken their time about it. Seven years in fact.

But like the proverbial fine wine, the wait for The WBC’s debut album, Hi-Fidelity Offbeat, has been well worth it.

Known nationwide as our leading exponents of ska, The WBC have grabbed the genre and shaken it up, injecting their own unique pacific flavour.

The result? A stunning blend of eclectic influences, which bellows originality.

“We are an unusual collective in some ways,” muses Olly Harris (trumpet). “Because we come from all walks of life, we might not have been friends if it wasn’t for the band.

“But I look at us and the way we make our music as a bit like my record collection. There’s heaps of variety – and that suits me.”

Bassist Rob Sharp agrees The WBC, and their album Hi-Fidelity Offbeat, can’t be defined by just the one genre.

“We all came into the band from a wide variety of backgrounds and with some differing tastes,” he says.

“The beauty of it is, we’ve been able to use all these different ideas and come up with something really progressive. You’re not going to hear anything like it anywhere else.”

For Hi-Fidelity Offbeat, the clever kids at The WBC have called in some heavy-duty friends, fusing their own rhythm section and full horn line-up with the skills of New York ska legend Coolie Ranx (of ‘The Toasters’ and ‘Pilfers’ fame).

Providing the final polish, renowned producer/engineer David Holmes (Gramsci, Jakob) and mastering engineer Angus McNaughton, he of Tui award-winning glory.
“Our reputation’s been built on our live performances. For the album, Dave's succeeded in capturing the raw essence of our shows,” says Andy Pearce (alto sax). “We’re really proud of how it sounds.”

The WBC: Hi-Fidelity Offbeat – a unique musical vibe. Buy it. Buy it now.

The WBC Biography

“I will go out of my way to see em live at the nearest opportunity” – Chris Knox

If you’re looking to define The WBC – well, don’t.

Yup, their roots are in ska. But their influences also range from dub and reggae, through to rock, metal and drum and bass.

Now imagine those elements put together coherently by an eight-piece machine combining a stonking rhythm section and full horn line-up, and you’re getting close to the picture.

In short, The WBC are unique.

They don’t want to be tied to a genre – and why should they - they’re creating their own.

With an all-original repertoire and a reputation for infectious, energetic live shows (thanks Chris), The WBC have featured at many of the country’s top festivals, including every Rhythm and Vines, Queenstown Winter Fest (2001 – ‘03), Beach Day Out (’03 – ’04) and the Grey Lynn Festival (2004). They have also performed alongside a range of high profile acts - think Bad Manners, Reel Big Fish and Coolie Ranx for starters.

The WBC have been in-demand in the studio too, most recently lending their talents to the latest Nesian Mystik and Chong Nee albums.

Now, after seven years touring and building a loyal fan base, it is their own debut album which is the focus. Proudly independent, The WBC will unleash Hi Fidelity Offbeat on June 1.

The WBC are:

Matiu Sadd vocals / tenor saxophone
Stu Preece guitar
Rob Sharp bass
Olly Harris trumpet
Andy Pearce alto saxophone
Oliver Emmitt trombone
Jordan Stone drums
Mike Clarkin live engineer

Random facts:
• Pulp Sport’s theme music is The WBC’s Ol’ Skool.
• Oliver also plays in the Rodger Fox Big Band
• Andy joined when he was 15 and still at school

Discography:
• Hi-Fidelity Offbeat (LP) 2006
• Uncle Benny (single) 2005 (feat MC Tyna ex Dubious Bros)
• Ease Ya Mind (EP) 2003 (Juice TV Awards nominee, nZM Award winner, NZ On Air video grant)
• The Wbc Ska Septet (EP) 2000

"You've gotta love The WBC, an Auckland 8-piece who are becoming one of the country's most loved, hard working and popular groups. Their Ease Ya Mind EP released in 2003, was superb…The guys draw us to their sleek ska-pop so effortlessly. Let's all pray their debut album isn't too far off." - The Hun
Rip It Up magazine.

"...But the standout for me is THE WBC... who wed fuzz guitars with ska horns in a propulsive, precision instrument of superb melodic power. I love their Ol ' Skool and will go outta my way to see 'em live at the nearest opportunity." - Chris Knox
Real Groove magazine

"Fun, fun, fun..."
Pavement magazine

"Their ska is indeed as they say "progressive" as it is unlike any other ska band around... So if you haven’t got the EP already, I suggest you get it real soon."
Punkas.com

"If these guys don’t get you up dancing, then you ain't got a pulse!"
Auckland University Students Assoc.

www.thewbc.com

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