This ever growing 8 piece band performs a woven tale of epic proportion, spanning a seamless trail and sewing disjointed genres until they make perfect sense. The 4 year old project unites the strengths of live experimental hip hop with post rock, classical music, metal, dub and jazz amongst other elements in a unique stew – performed fully live without relying on loops, backing tracks or any programming.
The Legend of the 7 Black Tentacles are proud to be one of the pioneers of the Sheffield experimental music scene.
The project was originally started as a live drum/scratch two piece act by BaronVonBadd, a DJ bored by the current ‘live’ hip hop scene. On a mission to collect and record a diverse set of instruments to use as scratch samples, he ended up gaining eager musicians who wanted to play live.
The aim of the group is to creatively combine a wide and diverse set of instruments and talents, this in turn organically produces unique clashes, block rocking performances and the best live experimental hip hop!
The group is proud of its ability to combine classical, alternative, experimental and DJ culture within a set, customising each performance to ensure a flow from tune to tune – sometimes seamless, sometimes jarring but captivating every time.
Valentines Day 2009 saw the release of our 6 track debut EP titled ‘Let’s Begin Now’ on the Independent Label BiValve Recordings. – Available in selected stores. Featuring remixes by Kid Kanevil and M.I Loki and artwork by Dan Mumford (Beck, Evil Nine)
“…adventurous instrumentation, a couple of spot-on guest vocalists and cool projected visuals, changing tactfully between heavy and soulful” – Now Then Magazine
“‘Let’s Begin, Now’ is the debut EP from Sheffield’s own 7 Black Tentacles. An unusual combination of musicians that includes a cellist, a scratch DJ and an MC on top of the backline of drums, bass and keyboard. It is recorded in the spirit of experimentation making each track seperate and distinct from the next but tied together with interludes that narrate the story of the 7 Black Tentacles.
“‘Let’s Begin, Now’ sees the Legend of the 7 Black Tentacles establish their own style without becoming samey or predictable, and whislt it doesn’t always capture the intensity of their live performances, it is a decent indication of the ambitious scope of the project and the genre melding that it has become known for. The legend continues…” - Sam Walby, Now Then Magazine.
Includes remixes from Kid Kanevil and M.I. LOKI. Artwork by Dan Mumford.