Theirs is a classic DIY punk rock story; releasing records on their self-started, self-run label Dance to the Radio, and naming their songs by number instead of giving them titles, the foursome burst onto the UK music scene with their first single "Nine", followed by "Thirteen"/"Fourteen" in late 2005. The band launched 2006 with a bang, with the release of "Twelve", a top-40 hit in January, followed in early May by a re-recorded version of "Nine," which also went top-40 in the UK.
Released in the UK just last week (5/15/06) Give Me a Wall, smashed into the UK charts. The NME rated the record an 8/10 and The Guardian followed suit with a 4/5 rating.
Forward, Russia! coalesced in early 2004 - Katie is Whiskas sister, and Tom and Rob were in The Black Helicopters together - all four came together to try something new. The first gig was in April 04, followed by the first demo recording. As their sound developed into a combination of post-teenage punk and avant angular rock, their fan base grew. The past year has seen them touring with Editors and We Are Scientists, headlining their own gigs, as well as stealing the show on the sold-out NME sponsored "New Music" tour in the UK and making their US debut at SXSW 06 where they played coveted slots at The Fader/Levis Tent, The NME BBQ, and a much talked about showcase sharing the stage with Be Your Own Pet & She Wants Revenge.
Make sure to catch them this month when they come stateside once again:
Wednesday, June 14 NYC Mercury Lounge
Thursday, June 15 San Francisco Popscene (Aaron Axelson's Live 105 night)
Saturday, June 17 Los Angeles Troubadour
Preview and Purchase Forward, Russia music
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The Magic of Eswatini's Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony
Brian Setzer - The Devil Always Collects
Classics: Dio's Holy Diver (40 years)
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Caught In The Act: Greta Van Fleet Rock Rosemont
Yes Kick Off U.S. Classic Tales Of Yes Your
Adler's Appetite Frontman Ari Kamin To Rock The Whisky A Go Go
Former Atreyu Singer Releases New Dead Icarus Video
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Riot V Ink With Atomic Fire Records
Horizon Theory Deliver 'Darkness'
Eva Under Fire Expand Love, Drugs & Misery For Deluxe Reissue