'The Ramblings of a Drunken Band EP' is the new extended release from Liverpool/Cheshire collective El Misti, consisting of two brand new tracks plus outtakes from both previous albums, 2020's self titled debut 'El Misti' and 2021's apocalyptic 'All Is Lost'.
Sounding very much like a band in transition, 'The Ramblings of a Drunken Band EP' marks a new way of working for a crew so used to being in each others pockets.
Lead guitarist Kieran Gilchrist now resides in Mexico, whilst songwriter and front man Paddy Bleakley remains at home in Cheshire. The pair have decided to carry on regardless of location, with the help of modern technology and the talent of engineer Rory Ballantyne
Paddy (guitar, lead vocals and backing vocals) and Keiran (lead guitar and backing vocals) are supported by a familiar cast of musicians from El Misti universe. Rory Ballantyne: on bass and backing vocals, Lee Shone on piano and Paul Everett on drums, with Mike Gregson on backing vocals.
All songs were written by Paddy Bleakley and Keiran Gilchrist and engineered, mixed and mastered by Rory Ballantyne. Recording took place in Ark Studios and The Fade Studio both in Liverpool, England.
Singer-songwriter, Paddy Bleakley, and guitarist, Kieran Gilchrist, bonded over a mutual love of classic acoustic folk, Americana, rock and roll, West Coast psychedelia and Latin culture, as well as a mutual disregard for personal safety, health and well-being. The pair went their separate ways: Kieran embarking on a musical pilgrimage to Latin America, and Paddy starting a bar and music venue called Kash 22, in his native Frodsham, Cheshire.
Eventually reuniting, the pair built a recording studio above the bar and got to work. With countless hours of writing, regular hazy after hours sessions and occasional intimate performances, the duo took their time to create a body of work they believed in.
The bar acted as a creative club house, bringing the rest of the collective together. Mike Gregson, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter was originally pulling the pints. Rory Ballantyne, notable for his production work with Liverpool bands ‘Paul Dunbar and The Black Winter Band’ and ‘The Grande’, came highly recommended by a few of the acts gracing the bar’s stage.
Early 2019 saw them hone their craft in the studio above Kash 22, before checking into the live room at Liverpool’s Ark Studios. Helped along by legendary local musicians such as KD Taggart on mandolin and percussion, Lee Shone on keys, Adrian Gautrey on organ and classical violinist Daniel Axworthy, the band finally finished an album drawing influences from the sum of its parts.
Created after burning the midnight oil in Paddy's bar 'The Ramblings of a Drunken Band EP' is a collection of songs to drink to and reflect to.
So turn it up and transport yourself into the smokey room where these songs were crafted. Please listen responsibly!
Website: elmistimusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elmistimusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elmistimusic
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