VIOLET CLASS

Let me introduce you to a new musical discovery, Violet Class. The young Reading five-piece have been around just under a year and certainly take influence from the casuals movement. Clobbered out in old retro casuals gear and writing songs influenced from days at football the band seem to be successfully combining the buzz of football and music. Although this gladly isn’t where the influences stop. The band have mastered a sound which is based on their child and teenage heroes of the 90s Britpop/Shoegaze era of the Stone Roses, Ride, The La’s, and Oasis. This has been backed by the likes of Stephen Street describing their tune ‘Six Penny Stop’ containing ‘shades of the Stone Roses’. But it is important to note the sound maintains a modern twist on their influences and it may appear they may offer something very different to what is currently on offer.

Their most notorious gig to date was supporting heroes Inspiral Carpets at Sub 89, Reading and despite even Clint Boon championing the band on the night the band unfortunately enjoyed themselves too much leading to a life time ban from the venue. Despite this they have pulled off gigs at Roman Ambrovich’s nightclub and played for ex ICF member Cass Pennant at The Garage, London in support of his recent Casuals film. The band is currently planning a gig at Mountain Ash, Wales with Tony Rivers, ex member and author of the Soul Crew book and is combining to put a night on in tribute to ex Reading and Cardiff legend Robin Friday. It is the Reading roots that the bands sells itself on but there is a certainly a punk soul attitude strongly assembled in their makeup reminiscent of the man himself. Their tune Reading FC signature tune ‘Biscuitmen’ has gone down rather well and can be currently caught on BBC Berkshire’s live match day coverage of Reading FC. What begs the question is whether they will follow in the footsteps of their idol and be able to showcase their talent on the big stage which unfortunately Mr Friday was unable to do. But one thing for sure is that the band firmly intends to continue push the boundaries and live their lives to the full.