Buckminster
Psychedelic Prog Rock, Swiss
Power quartet Buckminster plays its own unique brand of psychedelic
prog rock: rhythmic, complex music with a flinty edge and wicked groove. The
band has developed a tight but sophisticated sound ranging from heavy riffs
in the best hard rock tradition to dreamy, floating passages with weird harmonies
and breathtaking changes of rhythm. But even at its craziest, Buckminster's
music is highly melodic and played with majesty and passion.
There are echoes of progressive bands like Yes, Rush and King
Crimson, but equally strong traces of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and post-prog
acts like Porcupine Tree or the new punk of the Mars Volta. Thanks to their
witty lyrics and exciting stage show, Buckminster have been variously described
as "Frank Zappa crossed with Helmet" and "the thinking man's
Franz Ferdinand".
Band bio
Buckminster was founded in autumn 2005 by Duncan James, Michael Craig and Phil
Hero, all members of 1970s progressive rock cover band Fields of Henry. Soon
joined by former Immaculate Fools and Belcafé drummer Nick Thomas, the
new lean, mean four-piece set about conjuring up a set of its own songs. Before
long, Buckminster had assembled 90 minutes of original compositions that are
delighting and exciting audiences wherever they play.
Michael Craig: Vocals
and blues harp
Liverpool-raised Michael Craig has a voice that's been compared to Geddy Lee
of Rush, and his main influences also include Robert Plant and John Anderson.
Listen out for his gritty blues harp solos: Michael's credits include the Swiss
Blues Authority.
Duncan James: Guitars
and backing vocals
English-born Duncan James has professional credits ranging from the Terry and
the Hot Sox, Wanda Jackson, Larry Woodley, Jeff Healey, the Bucks and the Swiss
Blues Authority to Belcafé and the Hillbilly Moon Explosion - influences
that have culminated in his sophisticated guitar work for Buckminster.
Phil Hero: Bass
Swiss-born Phil Hero studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music and the Jazz
School in Zurich, and among other things has toured with Gunvor. His accomplished
bass playing, broad musical understanding and love of Frank Zappa have an unmistakable
influence on the sound of Buckminster.
Nick Thomas: Drums
English drummer Nick Thomas is an accomplished and versatile musician whose
more recent credits include Swiss trip pop band Belcafé. Nick saw the
world touring with the cult British band Immaculate Fools, but would still rather
be playing with Buckminster.
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