1600E formed in the latter end of 2002 from 2 popular local acts 'Alphabet Grass'
and 'Union Blue', with a style of music variously described as "up-tempo rock pop,
with a bit of a quirky edge" and "a bit like 'Super Grass'". We've been
assured by those who've seen them in action that they always put on a great show.
Floyd Influenced songwriter/Guitarist Richard Martin says he likes to
think of himself as having a traditional English sense of song writing,
telling stories like Davies, Weller, Cocker et al. They are, refreshingly, a
band prepared to do it properly (ahem), singing songs about supermarket single
nights, forbidden love affairs and gender realignment.
Very much in their Infancy, 1600e have played only a few gigs. Significantly, however
they headlined even their early gigs, appearing above signed and more experienced acts,
including twice to critical acclaim at the Sheffield Barfly.
Already considered one of Sheffield's best live bands 1600e have recently been
approached by Richard Hawley (ex Pulp, Longpigs) to produce their next demo.
The track, "Northern European", was described on local Radio as the best
song to come out of Sheffield during 2002.
The thing with 1600e is that everyone in the band is
into different things, but that works. What stands out predominantly is the
song writing, Kerouac- and Sallinger-inspired beat characters play out stories
of disturbing misadventure. These tales are told to a sound best described as
Syd Barrett meeting New Wave with a modern edge.
1600e are a band in a hurry, having all previously
unfulfilled forays into the music business. They are not a "chicken in a
basket" band, but a band who tell stories and want people to hear them. It
isn't easy to break out of provincial England as they well know but 1600e
are working hard to increase their exposure as much as possible. Like all
bands, though, there is only so much they can do themselves and they are
seeking all the assistance they can get. So go do it!
