Just a quick few words about this new one that floated through our mailbox recently. The Broken Ravens come from Lewis, which is a teeny tiny island off the coast of Scotland with a population of about 18,500. I think more than that live along my street (it’s a long street, seriously). It’s likely that the Ravens make enough noise for the other 18,495 as well, if “Old Cast Crow” is anything to go by.
A simple, old-fashioned fuzzy rocker of a song it’s bound to get your toe tapping and it would really suit being played at top volume. Go on… try it. Scroll down for the video and read on for some more about the band.
The Broken Ravens are a 5 piece hard rock band based in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Formed in 2011 by 4 friends from local bands on the pub/club circuit for a change to the norm playing covers every weekend and creating a darker, fuzzier, energetic yet accessible kind of sound.
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An independently released single in 2013, with two video’s in support helped bring TBR out of Stornoway and across the water to tour the U.K. Received well by critics and peers, the “foot stomping, head banging, fire ball of fuzz” rolled across Scotland amassing a solid fanbase, rave reviews, praise from peers within the industry and international radio play.
2015 has seen a line up change with founding member, vocalist and guitarist Bugsy MacLean leaving to concentrate on his solo career. Local boy Derek Healey, an accomplished guitarist and ex band mate of Kevin Clarks (Our Lunar Activities) and charismatic frontman Toby Michaels were recruited into the fold. The new line up wasted no time in recording new tracks, embarking on a headline UK tour, opening the mainstage at Brew At The Bog, supporting Warrior Soul, and packing tents at festivals Belladrum, Stramash, Jocktoberfest, Orkney Live Wire, Bulgarian Rock Festival – Rock in the Wine Valley, and multiple trips to Los Angeles to record and play iconic venues The Whisky A Go Go, The Viper Room and The Canyon Club.
2019 saw Toby Michaels leaving the nest to pursue his own goals, and TBR recruiting local screamer Gordon Smith. A long time friend of the band with similar work ethics, Gordon fitted right in and instantly made a mark. TBR went straight to work after CV19 cancelled a return to both Eastern Europe and the U.S.and instead the band recorded demos in their own Shabbey Road Studio, wasting no time in settling Gordon in. New single Dark Places is a taste of the direction the band is heading in, more technical and precise. Recording has already started on 7 new tracks to be released later in the year. Whispers, the second release in as many months was released on 31st October 2020. Already gaining attention with radioplay from Hard Rock Hell Radio and Jim Gellately’s new music show on Amazing Radio.
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Latest single “Old Cast Crow”, released on Jan 1st 2021 sees a more melodic and anthemic offering. Mixed by Simon Gogerly – U2, Palmoa Faith, mastered by Jason Shaw, recorded in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles and tweaked at Shabbey Road Stornoway.
The Broken Ravens: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | soundcloud | youtube
